What is the Lemon Law

If you have just bought a car (a new car) but the car does not live up to your expectations, i.e. it fails to meet the required or promised quality and performance, then you can apply for a Lemon law. The question that now comes into your mind is, 'What is the Lemon law?' Some of you might also ask what is this law used for and in which country this law is applicable? All your questions will be answered once you read this article further. It gives you all the details regarding the Lemon law, and which country has passed this law.

Lemon Law: Definition

When you buy a car, not always does it happen that you get all that the manufacturer had promised you; in short, there might be a breach of manufacturer's warranty. It is due to this breach that the manufacturer is the one who is responsible for all the repairs that the car has to undergo. If the consumer fails to receive satisfactory results within a given period of time, the Lemon law is there to help them out. The Washington State Motor Vehicle 'Lemon laws' are the American state laws which helps you, the purchaser of the car, to get a compensation for the unsatisfactory performance of the car. The cars whose owner enjoys the benefit of this law, are called the 'lemon'.

According to this law, the owner can seek redressal through the Lemon Law Administration of Attorney General's Office. The request of arbitration can be sought within 2 ½ years of the original retail delivery date of the 'lemon' or the car. Once you have made the arbitration, you will be given an arbitrator who will decide whether or not your claims and complaints meet the requirements that are present under the law. No fees will be charged. There are certain requirements that you need to fulfill and also certain limitations that you need to keep in mind while filing for an arbitration through the Lemon Law Administration. These rules and regulations can be downloaded from the Lemon law website.

Defects Covered by the Law

Now that you have followed what is the Lemon law, let us now see what are the various defects that it covers, so that, it becomes easier for you to seek redressal for your car. There are two types of defects that this law covers; Nonconformity defect and serious safety defect. The former is a defect where the safety of the car is not guaranteed i.e. it becomes unreliable. In the latter case, the car has a defect that becomes life-threatening. The driver finds it difficult to control the car due to this problem and the chances of accident or fire, is high.

There are, however, certain problems which the Lemon law for cars does not cover and they are the problem of the car caused due to sheer neglect, or any changes that has been made to the car after the original retail sale. The law also does not cover any modifications that were requested by you and following which the manufacturer had gone about with it. Consumer requested modifications are not authorized by the manufacturer. Lemon law for used cars or cars taken on lease, is also something that one will not get the benefit of. Thus, when your new car is giving you trouble and you are planning to seek a compensation on the basis of the Lemon laws, make sure that none of the problems are due to the above situations.

Like any other laws, this law too varies from one state to another, hence it's important for you to check the rules and regulations of that state where you are filing for the arbitration. In order to get the best legal advice, it is best that you consult a licensed lawyer about the Lemon laws and he/she will be able to guide you better in this case. They will be ready to give you advice free of cost, unless of course you win the case. Now, you know what is the Lemon law and who all are eligible for it and also how to get the best out of this law.