Lemon Laws are consumer laws that have been passed to protect consumers from defective vehicles, in a nut shell, if you buy a new car and it fails to function as it should then you can get either a refund of the purchase price or a replacement car. The Louisiana Lemon Law explains in detail what a lemon is, what the solutions are and what remedies do you as the consumer have to compensate you for a car that simply cannot be repaired.
When it comes to vehicles a “Lemon” is a new vehicle that does not conform to the expressed warranty. The vehicle has a defect that is detrimental to the safety of the occupants, the use of the vehicle or its value in the resale market. If the vehicle cannot be repaired satisfactorily after the mechanics have been given four chances during the warranty period or within a year of the date it was purchased, whichever comes first. The vehicle may also meet the definition of a lemon if it is out of commission for a cumulative total of 45 days.
The Louisiana Lemon Law:
The vehicles that are covered by the Louisiana Lemon law include:
* Both passenger and commercial vehicles that were sold in the state
* Personal ATVs and watercraft
* The drive train and the chassis of motor homes that are not used for commercial purposes
The Lemon Law in Louisiana does not cover leased vehicles, vehicles that have been used as demonstrators, motorcycles, mobile homes and recreational vehicles.
Under the law the vehicle manufacturer or his authorized dealer or distributor is obliged to repair or replace the vehicle. The manufacturer or dealer is given four chances to repair the problem or the vehicle must have been unavailable to the owner for a 45 day period, in the event the vehicle cannot be repaired it must either be replaced or the purchase price refunded. While the vehicle is in the repair shop the owner can rent a vehicle to use and the manufacturer of his vehicle is obliged to reimburse the owner $20 for every day he has to rent a car.
Arbitration:
If your vehicle is a lemon you must work first with the manufacturer using the no-cost mediation or arbitration process. If you have troubles with your new car make sure you save all the receipts for the repairs that were made as well as logging the days the car was not available, this information will be needed by the arbitrator.
If you have bought a vehicle that is covered by the Louisiana Lemon Law and it turns out to be a lemon you are welcome to visit Your Lemon Law Rights website for complete information and names of lawyers that can help you. Click here to contact us.
