Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, all R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, which would extend “Lemon Law” protections to emergency vehicles has been passed in both houses of the Legislature and now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

“I am pleased that our legislative colleagues voted to approve this important legislation,” Oroho stated.  “I expect that the Governor will sign this legislation into law so we can help prevent situations like we experienced locally where an ambulance was breaking down with critical patients in the back.”

The bill was introduced to correct an issue with the Flanders Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Mount Olive Township, Morris County.  The first aid squad purchased an ambulance that encountered significant problems with its drive train that needed constant repair.

"It is imperative that towns have reliable transportation in responding to emergency situations,” said Chiusano. "It is unfortunate that the Lemon Law is needed at all.  This legislation will make sure that public entities are also protected from companies who don't believe that customer satisfaction is their number one priority."

Under the state’s “Lemon Law” manufacturers of new motor vehicles are required to correct defects that are originally covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.  It applies to new vehicles that develop repeated defects or lengthy unusable periods during the first two years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. A new motor vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if it has one or more defects that continue to exist after three attempts at repairs or after the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 20 cumulative calendar days. Under current law, emergency vehicles are not covered under New Jersey’s “Lemon Law.”  

"This legislation will now cover vehicles that should have been covered under the current law," stated McHose.  "All reputable manufacturers must stand by their products and ensure the purchaser is completely satisfied.  Today's action will now include the taxpayer as well."  

“This is quite simply a public safety issue,” Oroho continued.  “The taxpayers paid good money for a new ambulance.  If it’s in the shop on a continuous basis then it can’t do its job and the manufacturer should accept responsibility for an inferior product.  This bill, when signed, will force them to do just that.”