What Are The Requirements in California for a Car to be Classified as a Lemon?

Your rights as a consumer are protected by federal laws.  If you buy a new car and it does not function properly, you have the right to ask for a replacement or to have your money returned.  This type of car is considered a “lemon” by federal laws. An attorney in California that specializes in the lemon law will help you solve any disputes between you and the car dealer. But first, you will need to know the requirements in California for a car to be classified as a lemon.

Each state has different laws and requirements that apply to defective cars, in order to classify them as lemons. You can find the laws on the websites of each state’s Office of Attorney General or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In California, the requirements refer to:

1. Warranty. The law applies for the entire period of the vehicle’s warranty. If the car has a five-year warranty, and you discover a defect during the second year, you are still entitled to ask for car repairs, car replacement or reimbursement. Follow all terms of the warranty for maintenance and proper use of the car.
2. Number of repairs. In California, the minimum number of repairs for a car to be considered a lemon is four. The repairs must be done by authorized mechanics and must refer to the same problems. The lemon law does not apply if the defect was caused by improper use after the car was delivered. Keep detailed records of every repair performed to your car.
3. Number of days. In California, the vehicle must have been inoperable for at least 30 days, in order to be declared a lemon. These days do not necessarily have to be consecutive. Again, keeping records of this is a good idea.

If you need help with a lemon car, contact our lawyers. We have vast experience and we can successfully solve the case. lemonlawattorneyinla.com