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Rhode Island - Laws §31-5.2-1

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Vehicles Covered:

Automobiles, motorcycles, vans or trucks under 10,000lbs, sold or replaced. Excludes motorized campers.

Persons Covered:

Purchasers, transferees during the express warranty period or any person entitled to enforce the warranty

Period Covered:

Whichever comes first: one year or 15,000 miles from date of delivery.

Notice Requirement:

(a) Manufacturer - notice of arbitration proceeding at time of delivery; (b) Consumer - report the nonconformity to the manufacturer its agent or dealer; opportunity to cure of seven days.

Repair Requirements:

It is presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been made if the same nonconformity has been subjected to four or more repairs, or the vehicle is out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days plus one additional attempt to cure.

Affirmative Defenses:

The nonconformity does not substantially impair the use, market value or safety of the vehicle, or is the result of abuse, neglect, or substantial unauthorized modifications or alterations.

Replacement/Refund:

At the consumer's option, the manufacturer shall replace with a comparable vehicle, or refund the full purchase price less a reasonable allowance (defined).

Other Reimbursement:

Incidental costs, including sales tax, registration fees, finance charges and towing and rental costs; refunds to consumer and lienholder.

Other remedies:

There is no limit on other consumer remedies. Right to bring civil action. Attorney fees. The manufacturer's failure to comply with the statute is a deceptive trade practice.

Arbitration:

For remedies under this section, a consumer must use the informal dispute procedure established by the manufacturer provided that it complies with 16 C.F.R. 703 or approved by FTC or by state.

Dealer Liability:

 

Resale of Lemon:

Full disclosure required.

Disclaimer: Please note that statutes may have been amended since the book was originally published in 2005.
Please consult your Secretary of State or local DMV office for the most recent and up to date statutes for the California Lemon Law.