The New Jersey Lemon Law Unit assists consumers who are experiencing defects in their new car, used car, motorized wheelchair, or scooter. Lemon Law applications are reviewed by the unit to determine whether the consumer qualifies for an administrative hearing. If the application is accepted, the Lemon Law Unit will schedule the case to be heard by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) at one of its three locations in Newark, Trenton, or Atlantic City. Consumers may choose from the available hearing dates.
At the hearing, the consumer is required to present facts that show that a defect currently exists and that it substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle, motorized wheelchair or scooter, or meet other qualifying requirements under the law. The facts are determined from the documents, photographs or other evidence submitted as part of the consumer's application package and from testimony.
The consumer may choose to have an attorney and/or an expert witness present at the hearing, but this is not required. If the consumer wins their case under the Used Car Lemon Law, the dealer may be ordered to repurchase the used motor vehicle and provide a refund to the consumer. If a consumer wins their case under the New Car Lemon Law or the Wheelchair Lemon Law, the manufacturer may be ordered refund the vehicle or motorized wheelchair or scooter, and terminate any applicable lease agreement without an early termination penalty.
Lemon Law cases are also sometimes settled with the manufacturer or the dealer after an application has been accepted by the unit, but before a formal hearing takes place. Please select one of the links on this page for more details about each law and its requirements.
