Lemon Law in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas states laws in regards to lemon vehicles. These vehicles are those that have defects that alter the market value of the motor vehicle or alter the safety of the driver or passenger. These normally include break problems, engine problems, and seatbelt defects.
The state of Arkansas calls the lemon law the Arkansas New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act. This act is number 297 and came into effect in 1993.
All lemon cases are to pass through a third-party for efficiency. A third-party often includes an attorney at law. Because paperwork can be so extensive, an attorney is required under a majority of circumstances. Under this law the manufacturer, dealer, or agent if legally required to compensation and repair the motor vehicle.
Covered Vehicles
Only certain motor vehicles qualify for lemon compensation in Arkansas. These include motor vehicles that are have been leased or purchased in the state of Arkansas as well as those that are register in the state of Arkansas. All other motor vehicle will not be covered by Arkansas lemon law.
All motor vehicles must be under the manufacturer’s express warranty of two years or be under the first twenty-four thousand miles of use. Whichever occurs last will be considered.
When a vehicle is leased or purchased by someone other than the original consumer that leaser or purchaser will also be covered by lemon laws. Vehicles that exceed ten thousand pounds will not qualify for lemon compensation. This means that some recreational vehicles are excluded though motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, and other consumer appliances will qualify.
Qualification
In order to qualify motor vehicles must first undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts. This number usually includes three or four attempts; however if a motor vehicle has been out of commission or is under repair for thirty days or more then the attempted repairs are waived. These thirty days are not required to be consecutive and can be added up while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s express warranty.
If the motor vehicle can be proven to have a reasonable number of repair attempts the consumer is subject to a repair by the dealer, agent, or manufacturer. This repair must restore the vehicle to its market standard. If the manufacturer, agent, or dealer cannot restore the vehicle to this condition then the consumer is open for compensation.
Also if the manufacturer, dealer, or agent cannot repair the motor vehicle within thirty calendar days, the consumer is also open to compensation.
Compensation
Compensation will include either a replacement vehicle or cash compensation. A replacement vehicle will be of the same market value as the lemon motor vehicle. If the consumer declines a replacement vehicle, he or she is open for cash compensation. This kind of compensation is to be the full purchasing price of the vehicle, any registration fees, taxes, and licensing fees.
If the motor vehicle has been subject to abuse outside of the lemon defect then the amount will be deducted from the purchasing price. All cosmetic additions will not be compensated.