N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs • LEMON LAW UNIT • 9 7 3 - 5 0 4 - 6 2 2 6
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N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs • LEMON LAW UNIT • 9 7 3 - 5 0 4 - 6 2 2 6
Used
Car
LEMON LAW
What is the New Jersey Used Car Lemon Law?
The Used Car Lemon Law (U.C.L.L.) protects and assists
consumers when they purchase used motor vehicles from
licensed dealers, and the vehicles develop repeated problems
with parts covered under the warranty. The law also requires
dealers to provide a limited warranty based on the mileage
of the vehicle at the time of purchase. This warranty must be provided at no extra charge and the dealer
must repair the problems within the warranty period.
The Lemon Law Unit, which handles your complaint, is part of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Procedures for filing an application are very specific. The Lemon Law Unit offers information and ap-
plication processing only. The Unit does not hear cases or represent you at hearings. Cases are heard
at the Office of Administrative Law (O.A.L.) in a quasi-judicial setting. Please read this information
carefully and contact our staff at 973-504-6226 if you have any questions.
What vehicles are covered under the Used Car Lemon Law?
The law covers passenger vehicles, purchased from a licensed dealer, which are seven (7) model years
old or less. The purchase price must be at least $3,000 and the mileage must not exceed 100,000 miles at
the time of purchase. If your vehicle meets these requirements, the dealer is required to provide you with
a warranty which shall at least have the following minimum durations:
● If a motor vehicle has 24,000 miles or less on its odometer, the dealer must provide the consumer with
a warranty for 90 days or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
● If a motor vehicle has between 24,000 miles and 60,000 miles on its odometer, the dealer must provide
the consumer with a warranty for 60 days or 2,000 miles, whichever comes first.
● If a motor vehicle has between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles on its odometer, the dealer must
provide the consumer with a warranty for 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. *
*NOTE: In negotiating a better price for the vehicle, consumers may waive their right to a warranty. The
vehicle must have more that 60,000 miles on its odometer and the waiver must be in writing.
The written warranty shall require the dealer, upon failure or malfunction of a covered item during the
term of the warranty, to correct the malfunction or defect, provided the used motor vehicle is delivered to
the dealer, at his regular place of business, and subject to a deductible amount of $50 to be paid by the
consumer for each repair of a covered item.
If the dealer fails to provide the consumer with a written warranty at the time of purchase, the dealer is
deemed to have provided that warranty, as specified in the law, unless the consumer has signed a waiver.