 New Jersey What Lemon Law
What happens if that brand new car or motorcycle you bought turns out to be a lemon? Under the New Jersey Lemon Law you may be entitled to reimbursement or a new car.
The Lemon Law applies to anyone who buys, leases or registers a new car or motorcycle in New Jersey. The intent of the law is to require the manufacturer of a new motor vehicle to correct the defects that are originally covered under the manufacturer's warranty and are identified and reported within 18,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. To qualify under the Lemon Law, the defect must substantially impair the use, value or safety of your vehicle.
What is NOT Covered:
- The Lemon Law does not cover vehicles registered for commercial use.
- The Lemon Law does not cover the living quarters of motor homes.
- The Lemon Law does not cover the defects caused by accident, vandalism, abuse or neglect.
- The Lemon Law does not cover defects caused by attempts to repair or to modify the vehicle by a person other than the manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer.
Getting Your Vehicle Repaired
It is very important that you report any defect or condition directly to the manufacturer or dealer immediately. It is also important that you keep all repair receipts and a complete record of all contacts with the manufacturer and dealer.
How Long Should the Repair Take?
The Lemon Law allows the manufacturer a "reasonable amount of time" to repair or correct the defect. A "reasonable amount of time" means three repair attempts for the same defect or a total of 20 cumulative days out of service because of one or more defects or repairs.
What You Must Do Before You File A Claim
Before you can file a claim under the Lemon Law in the Division of Consumer Affairs, you must give the manufacturer one final chance to repair the defect. A letter to the manufacturer (not the dealer) must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, stating that you may have a claim and that you are giving the manufacturer one last chance to repair the defect. The manufacturer should be allowed ten days following the date on the certified mail return receipt to repair the vehicle. Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs' Lemon Law Unit for the address of the manufacturer's regional office, to which you should send your letter.
Enforcing Your Rights
If the manufacturer does not accept your Lemon Law claim and will not refund your money or replace your vehicle, you have three choices. You may:
- ask for a hearing through the Division of Consumer Affairs' Automotive Dispute Resolution Program;
- send your complaint to the manufacturer's informal dispute settlement program; or
- file a civil action in court.
Resolution through the Division
The Lemon Law gives consumers the chance to have their cases heard before an administrative law judge in the Office of Administrative Law. You have the right to hire an attorney. An attorney is not required for this hearing but it may be to your advantage to have one present. The Lemon Law Unit does not provide legal representation for the consumer. The manufacturer, however, will be represented by an attorney. If you are successful in proving your case, you will be reimbursed any reasonable attorney's fees incurred.
From the State Of New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs
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