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Rhode Island – Laws §31-5.2-1

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.