New amendment benefits military members

27 Jun 2008 | Lance Cpl. Shawn Dickens Marine Corps Training and Education Command

On January 1, an amendment to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act took effect. The act, also known as the “Lemon Law,” was changed so that it now protects all military personnel stationed in California.

The Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease a motor vehicle that is still under manufacturer’s warranty. If the vehicle has recurring problems affecting the use, value or safety of the vehicle and the vehicle manufacturer is unable to fix the problem, the Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to either repurchase or replace the vehicle at the consumer’s option.

Prior to January 2008, the California Lemon Law only protected consumers who purchased vehicles in California. The new amendment however, allows military service members to qualify for relief using the California Lemon Law even if their vehicle was purchased in a different state.

Service members can file a claim if the vehicle manufacturer sells vehicles in California, and the service member is stationed in California at the time of the vehicle purchase or at the time in which the Lemon Law action is filed.


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Marine Corps Training and Education Command