Bill Looks to Expand Consumer Protections in New Jersey

We have great news for New Jersey drivers. Legislation designed to enhance and improve the New Jersey Lemon Law was given final approval today by the General Assembly and is now headed to Governor Corzine.

The New Jersey Lemon Law, which has already been named the second most effective lemon law in the nation by the Center for Auto Safety, protects consumers who suffer a problem that occurs in the first 18,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first, and continues to occur for a total of three or more times despite repair attempts from an authorized manufacturers dealership.

According to PolitckerNJ.com, Assembly Bill 1954, sponsored by Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, looks to expand the Lemon Law parameters to include problems that occur in the first 24,000 miles or 24 months. Furthermore, consumers who suffer a serious defect which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven would be able to file a lemon law claim if the problem cannot be fixed after one repair attempt.  We have seen similar provisions in other State Lemon Laws, including Ohio.

The Bill was passed by a vote of 44 to 30, with two abstentions.

Of course, even if you fall outside of the NJ Lemon Law parameters, we encourage distressed drivers in the Garden State to contact us to discuss their situation and see if we can help.