Maryland Lemon Law Lemon laws in the state of Maryland are based on the federal
lemon law known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This specific act
provided compensation to consumers inside the state borders of Maryland
who have purchased trucks, automobiles, or other vehicles. The vehicles
that qualify under Maryland law include recreational vehicles,
motorcycles, boats, and consumer appliances such as computers.
The most common occurrence of lemon law use is in motor vehicles. Lemon
law states that if a consumer product has a defect directly from the
factory then the consumer has the right to demand compensation from the
agent, dealer, or manufacturer that sold the product. Compensation will
either include refund, cash compensation, or replacement. Those seeking
for lemon compensation are required to file through legal documents.
Eligibility Only certain motor vehicles qualify for compensation in the
state of Maryland. These vehicles must still be under the motor
vehicle's express warranty from the manufacturer. In the one-year time
frame the motor vehicle must have undergone repair attempts for the
same defect three or four times. This number is called a reasonable
number of attempts. If the vehicle is out of service for a total of
thirty days while under the express warranty and while receiving
attempted repairs, the consumer is eligible for a repair attempt by the
dealer or manufacturer.
The state of Maryland separates which motor vehicles are allowed to
receive lemon repairs from those that are ineligible. These divisions
include classes: passenger vehicles are class A, motorcycles are class
D, trucks are class E, and multipurpose vehicles are class M.
Under federal law manufacturers are required to make an attempted
repair on a motor vehicle if the proper documentation has been provided
and the vehicle is still under warranty. Documentation must include the
number of repair attempts and their paperwork. A defect is required to
impede the safety of the driver--such as a seatbelt or break
malfunction--or impede the standard market value of the vehicle.
Cosmetic defects or radio defects will not qualify for lemon laws.
Repairs When the manufacturer, agent, or dealer makes an attempted
repair, they must return the motor vehicle to its standard manufacturer
condition. If within thirty calendar days this is not done or the
vehicle cannot be properly repair to the manufacturer's standard the
consumer will receive compensation.
Compensation Compensation can come in three forms: replacement, refund, or
compensation. If the motor vehicle cannot be returned to its
manufacturer standard the consumer may choose to have the vehicle
replaced. A replacement vehicle will include any vehicle of the same
market value. If a replacement vehicle is declined refund is possible.
All refunds will include the purchasing price of the motor vehicle,
registration fees, taxes, government fees, licensing fees, and all
other fees required with purchasing a new motor vehicle.
Compensation may be altered if the motor vehicle displays abuse or
neglect. If the motor vehicle has been cosmetically altered through
paint or other addition, the manufacturer, agent, or dealer is not
required to refund the costs.