The New Jersey Lemon Law Unit assists consumers who are experiencing defects in their new car, used car or motorized wheelchair or scooter. The unit responds to thousands of requests for assistance each year. Lemon Law applications are reviewed by the unit to see if the consumer qualifies for a hearing. If the application is accepted, the Lemon Law Unit will schedule the case to be heard at the Office of Administrative Law (O.A.L.) at one of its three (3) locations: Newark, Trenton or Atlantic City. Consumers can pick from among 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 vehicle’s use, value or safety of the vehicle or is a serious safety defect which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven. The facts are determined from the documents, photographs or other evidence submitted as part of the consumer’s application package and from witness testimony.
The consumer may choose to have an attorney and/or an expert witness present at the hearing, but it is not required. If the consumer wins the case, the manufacturer or dealer will be ordered to repurchase the vehicle and issue a refund in accordance with the law.
Many Lemon Law cases are settled with the manufacturer or the dealer once an application has been accepted by the unit. Please select one of the available links for more details about each law and its requirements.