Georgia’s Lemon Law Helps Keep New Car Purchases from Going Sour

ATLANTA, GA (November 29, 2007) – You’ve saved and planned for this purchase for months, and at long last you are the proud owner of a beautiful new car. The hot sun gleams off the shiny black hood, but driving it has been anything but rewarding since the air conditioner died and has refused to come back to life despite numerous resuscitation attempts by the dealer. It has been at the dealership more than it has been in your garage at home. So what do you do when the “fruits of your labor” turn out to be a lemon? 

   “Consumers who purchase, register or lease a new motor vehicle in the state of Georgia are eligible for protection against recurring defects under Georgia’s Lemon Law,” explains Joseph Doyle, Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA.) Motor vehicles are covered under the law for the first 12 months after the delivery date or the first 12,000 miles of the consumer’s use, whichever comes first. In 2006, consumers recovered over $12.3 million in repurchases or replacements of motor vehicles as a result of Georgia’s Lemon Law.

   The law was designed first and foremost to help consumers get their defective vehicle repaired. If the manufacturer fails to repair a recurring problem after a reasonable number of attempts and the consumer meets certain eligibility requirements, he may apply for an arbitration hearing. An arbitrator or arbitration panel hears complaints and decides whether or not the consumer is entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund. It is not necessary to hire an attorney for this procedure, but consumers are free to do so if they wish. 

   An updating of the Lemon Law, which is supported by OCA, is before the House Judiciary committee as House Bill 470. The bill is designed to improve the processes within the law and make it fairer to all involved parties.

   The Lemon Law is a self-help process, which calls for the consumer to follow certain steps, which are described in detail on the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs website. To review these steps or for additional information about Georgia’s Lemon Law, go to: www.consumer.ga.gov/lemonlaw