You are currently viewing our Lemon Law reference page for :
D.C. Code – §40-1301

Vehicles Covered:

Passenger vehicle sold or registered in D.C. Excludes buses sold for public transportation, motor cycles, motor homes and recreational vehicles.

Persons Covered:

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

Period Covered:

Whichever is first: 18,000 miles or two years.

Notice Requirement:

(a) Manufacturer – written notice to the prospective consumer of consumer rights; (b) Consumer – report the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or the authorized dealer by certified mail.

Repair Requirements:

It is presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been made if the same nonconformity is subjected to four or more repairs, or the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days; or if a safety related defect is subjected to one or more repair attempts.

Affirmative Defenses:

The nonconformity does not substantially impair the vehicle, or is the result of the consumer's abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations: Statute of limitations.

Replacement/Refund:

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

Other Reimbursement:

Taxes, fees and charge; refund to the consumer and lienholder.

Other remedies:

There is no limit on other consumer remedies. Violation is unlawful trade practice.

Arbitration:

For remedies under this action, a consumer must use the government-run arbitration board informal dispute settlement procedure.

Resale of Lemon:

Dealer must disclose to prospective buyer.