Massachusetts Senate Advances Bill to Expand Used Car Lemon Law Coverage
The Massachusetts Senate is proposing updates to the state’s car buyer protection laws (also called the “Lemon Law”) to better protect buyers of used cars and leased vehicles from defects…
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The Massachusetts Senate is proposing updates to the state's car buyer protection laws (also called the “Lemon Law”) to better protect buyers of used cars and leased vehicles from defects and predatory practices. Lawmakers want to make the market safer for everyday consumers.
The proposal draws on ideas from Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) and is slated for discussion in the Senate this month, along with conversations about broader consumer-protection initiatives.
The NewBedfordGuide.com breaks down the following aspects of the bill proposal:
- Currently, if you buy a used car and it has a significant defect that affects safety, driveability, or value, you have seven days from the purchase date to get the vehicle inspected and possibly cancel the sale to get your money back. The new bill would change this period to seven days from the delivery date, allowing buyers extra time if there's a delay between signing the paperwork and getting the car.
- Warranty coverage for high-mileage vehicles would be expanded by raising the maximum eligible mileage from 125,000 to 175,000 miles.
- For car leases, the bill would create a grace period for missed payments before repossession, aligning lease protections with those already in place for financed (or loaned) vehicles.
Michael VyskocilWriter
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