As we have previously discussed, the Garden State government has been working hard to expand upon the NJ Lemon Law, and yesterday Governor Corzine signed the Bill that made the expansion a reality.

Up until now, the New Jersey Lemon Law, named the second most effective lemon law in the Country by the Center for Auto Safety, covered consumers who suffered a repetitive defect that first occurred within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever came first. The Law also covered consumers whose cars were in the shop 20 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles.

The NJ Lemon Law has now expanded that parameter from 24 months/18,000 miles to 24 months/24,000 miles, thus taking into account the fact that most drivers are on the road approximately 12,000 miles annually.

In addition, our improved New Jersey Lemon Law states that manufacturers only have one repair attempt to fix a defect which could cause serious bodily harm or death.

This is a huge coup for those who purchase or lease or register their cars in New Jersey. And remember, under New Jersey Lemon Law consumers are entitled to completely cost-free legal representation. 

If you have any questions pertaining to the New Jersey Lemon Law and the representation it provides, please feel free to e-mail us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

UPDATE:  Click here to read the press release on the NJ Lemon Law Expansion.

President Obama introduced a “Cash for Clunkers” program last week. 

The $1 billion program will provide drivers with up to $4,500 in trade in value if they turn their poor-mileage clunker in for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The government is hoping that the new program will take off the way it has in Germany, and will result in more than a quarter of a million new car sales throughout the Country while simultaneously getting gas guzzlers off the road.

According to an article in the Newark Sar-Ledger, this new law could increase Garden State car sales by roughly 24,000 sales and provide $50 million in additional tax and motor vehicle fee revenue for New Jersey. It is widely understood that other states will enjoy the same success.  That being said, the program is not as cut and dry as it may suggest.

For instance, the car that is going to be traded in must have been registered in the owner’s name and insured for at least one year. Eligible clunker cars must also be drivable and have an overall fuel economy rating of 18 or less miles per gallon.  Furthermore, in order to qualify for the top dollar amount, $4,500, the new vehicle has to get 10 miles per gallon more than the car being traded in, which is a pretty lofty feat. If you are looking at a van, SUV or pickup, it has to get 5 additional miles per gallon to receive the top rebate.  The new vehicle being purchased cannot cost more than $45,000.

If you cannot find a vehicle that gets 10 miles more per gallon, you can get a $3,500 rebate if you find a car that gets 4 additional miles per gallon. For vans, SUVs and pickups, an extra 2 miles per gallon will fetch a $3,500 voucher.

The program applies only to new cars purchased or leased between July 1and November 1.  Dealers have to register for the program in order to participate.

The other benefit to this program is while many of the clunkers traded in would not qualify for lemon law or breach of warranty protection due to their age and mileage, the new cars will qualify, giving consumers an extra piece of mind.