Jim Griffin of PolitickerNJ.com reports that New Jersey’s Lemon Law, the second best in the nation according to The Center for Auto Safety, may be getting even better.

Senate Bill S-454, sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Nicholas Scutari, would add several provisions to further strengthen NJ car buyers’ protections under the law, including:

  • extended coverage from 18,000 to 24,000 miles (the current time limit of two-years would remain the same).
  • a distinction between general defects and those “likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.” For potentially lethal defects, S-454 would allow the dealer only one chance to make the fix, as opposed to the current three chances.
  • a requirement that dealers provide car buyers with an “Owner’s Warranty Rights Notification” booklet to ensure that consumers are made aware of the state’s Lemon-Law protections.

“New Jersey’s Lemon Law is over 17 years old,” said Sen. Buono. “Given that our driving habits have changed in that time, the law needs to be updated. Drivers commute much farther today, and 18,000 miles no longer provides the coverage the average car buyer deserves.”

Commenting on the “one-chance” provision, Sen. Scutari said, “When safety is a concern, three repair attempts are two too many. There is a major difference between an inconvenient oversight like a malfunctioning radio and the possibility that your car won’t stop when you hit the brakes. Our drivers shouldn’t have to put themselves at risk two or three times before they get a car that provides the safe transportation we expect…”

Other protections under New Jersey’s current Lemon Law would remain in effect. For example, in addition to a refund of the purchase price or replacement of the vehicle, consumers can still recover such expenses as attorney fees, sales tax, license and registration fees, and finance charges.

Bill S-454 passed the Senate Commerce Committee by a vote of 5-0 and now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

David J. Gorberg & Associates is the largest lemon law firm in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and one of the most successful lemon law firms in country. The firm’s offices are located in Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh PA and Marlton, New Jersey, and can be reached at 1-800 MY LEMON (1-800-695-3666) or by visiting the David J. Gorberg & Associates website at http://www.MyLemon.com

Website Link: https://www.mylemon.com

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