FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL GIVEN TO JASEY BILL ENHANCING AUTOMOTIVE ‘LEMON LAW’ PROTECTIONS

FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL GIVEN TO JASEY BILL ENHANCING AUTOMOTIVE ‘LEMON LAW’ PROTECTIONS

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey sponsored to expand and enhance consumer protections offered under New Jersey’s motor vehicle “lemon law” was given final legislative approval today by the Senate.

“With onboard computers operating nearly every aspect of most late model vehicles, even small factory defects can lead to big problems,” said Jasey (D-Essex). “To combat this, and to enhance the safety and peace of mind of New Jersey consumers, we need to update our lemon law.”

Under current law, motorists are covered under the state’s Lemon Law if their vehicle is found to have irreparable defects – defects that cannot be repaired after three attempts – within the first 18,000 miles or two years of operation, whichever comes first.

The Jasey bill (S-454/A-1954) would make several significant changes to the state’s existing Lemon Law. It would extend the period of coverage for new vehicles to the first 24,000 miles of operation, which mirrors the industry-accepted standard vehicle usage calculation of 12,000 miles per year.

The measure also would create a distinction between the types of manufacturer’s defects covered under the Lemon Law, to help reduce or eliminate consumer use of dangerously unsafe vehicles.

Consumers who purchase a vehicle with a serious defect – one that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven – would be able to declare the vehicle a lemon if the problem cannot be corrected after a single repair attempt.

All other types of flaws would continue to constitute a lemon only after three or more failed repair attempts.

“When purchasing a factory-new vehicle, a driver has a right to expect it to be free from defects,” said Jasey. “When it is not, motorists deserve protection under the law to help them recoup their investment.”

The bill passed the Assembly last week. It passed the Senate 36-2. It now heads to the Governor who may sign it into law, veto it or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.

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