QandAs: Autos

What are the Alabama Lemon Laws?

Answer:
If you're moving to Alabama, you may need

to understand the Alabama Lemon Laws, which protect consumers against new motor vehicle non-conformity to manufacturers’ express warranties. The Laws include all motor vehicle types except Motor Homes and vehicles exceeding manufacturer’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,000 pounds.

Alabama Lemon Laws are spelled out in the Alabama Code as follows:

Alabama Code, Section 8-20A
Title 8: Commercial Law and Consumer Protection
Chapter 20A-Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Rights

Alabama Lemon Laws provide a means of recourse against motor vehicle manufacturers if a motor vehicle has been proven to be out of compliance with the manufacturer’s express warranties, and if the motor vehicle also meets certain other eligibility requirements. Motor vehicle dealers are protected by these Lemon Laws, also.

The Alabama Lemon Law places some burden upon consumers looking to seek recourse, in that consumers must follow specific processes of registering complaints with the manufacturer through certified U.S. mail, and consumers must also have already made some attempts to remedy and correct the alleged nonconforming items through other normal methods. Manufacturers then may be allowed a final attempt to bring the motor vehicle into compliance, before they are required to refund any monies.

Alabama Lemon Law Statutes do not specify any type of recourse relating to sale or transfer of used motor vehicles by private parties in private sale agreements. In fact, within the language of this Statute, it states that the motor vehicle which fits all definitions and has met all other requirements described within the Statute may be re-titled with caveats on the new title stating: “THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY”, leaving little doubt as to the intent and target of the Laws, but also allowing the motor vehicle to be resold after manufacturer makes necessary corrections.

For more information, visit http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm and related pages.


	more Q&A sessions like this
	Where can I find Alabama Driver Resources? Where can I find resources for Buying or Selling a car in Alabama? What are the Alabama State Driving Laws? What are the Alabama Drivers License Requirements? How can I renew my Alabama Drivers License? What are the Alabama Vehicle Registration and Title Requirements? Where can I get an Alabama Driving Record? How do I transfer a car title in-state and out-of-state in Alabama? Where can I find Alabama Vehicle Inspection Centers? How do I contact the Alabama State Department of Transportation?