Idaho Lemon Laws

Lemon Laws Idaho

Under Idaho’s Lemon Law, all new vehicles come with a warranty stating that the dealer has agreed to repair any non-conformities before the expiration of the warranty period. This term refers to any defects found in the vehicle that negatively impact its value or performance.

In order for this law to be applied, certain conditions must be satisfied. Firstly, the car must have been purchased or licensed in Idaho, used for personal purposes, and not exceed 12000 lbs in weight. Additionally, the defects must not have occurred as a consequence of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.

The Lemon Law applies for up to two years after delivery or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first). In order for the law to be invoked, it must also be clear how long the vehicle was unavailable due to the problem, as well as how many attempts were made to repair it.

If these criteria are met, then Idaho’s Lemon Law provides consumers with the protection they need against business practices that are less than satisfactory. Fortunately, with this particular law in place, they can rest assured that they won’t be stuck with a defective vehicle.

What is the Lemon Law?

Idaho has enacted lemon laws (Idaho Code, Title 6, Chapter 9) to protect buyers of goods, including vehicles, from faulty or defective products. Idaho’s lemon law helps consumers secure a refund or replacement if their vehicle does not meet the legally required standards for safety and usability. The Lemon Law applies to vehicles purchased in Idaho and provides protections for both used and new purchases. Buyers who have experienced issues with their vehicles may be eligible to receive compensation under the terms of the law.

The state of Idaho governs how motor vehicles may be replaced by the manufacturer under the Lemon law. This law states that a motor vehicle is subject to replacement by the manufacturer if the vehicle has been deemed a lemon and is still under the manufacturer’s express warranty.

A refund will include either the full purchasing price or a comparable replacement vehicle. This is to include the trade-in value but it is not permitted to exceed one hundred-five percent of the retail price as suggested by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the right to deduct a charge for the use of the motor vehicle; however, this deduction must be a reasonable amount.

Motor vehicles only qualify as lemons if they meet Idaho’s specific criteria. The criteria include being licensed or purchased in the state of Idaho, being under the manufacturer’s express warranty, being a motor vehicle under twelve thousand pounds or fewer, and is used for family, household, or personal purposes. All other motor vehicles are excluded.

Lemon laws also can include appliances and consumer goods, such as trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and computers.

Qualification

To qualify as a lemon a motor vehicle must be defective and require several repair attempts. The defect must alter the value, safety, or use of the motor vehicle. These normally include break, engine, or seatbelt problems. Defective radios or paint do not qualify as lemon motor vehicles.

Prior to being reported as a lemon a motor vehicle must first go under a reasonable number of repair attempts. Though the state of Idaho does not specify what a reasonable number is, it normally includes three to four attempts. These attempts must be recorded and are required to be for the same defect.

If the motor vehicle has been out of use for more than thirty days, due to repairs, the individual is subject to a manufacturer, agent, or dealer repair. These thirty days do not need to be consecutive and can be added up while still under the express warranty.

Also to qualify the motor vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s express warranty. If the vehicle is reported prior to the express warranty’s expiration, the manufacturer, dealer, or agent is still bound by law to attempt a repair, even if the express warranty has presently expired.

Repair Attempts

When reported the manufacturer, agent, or dealer is required to make an attempted repair on the motor vehicle. This repair attempt is required to restore the motor vehicle to its market standard. If the motor vehicle cannot be fully repaired to this standard, then the owner is subject to compensation. All repair attempts by the manufacturer, agent, or dealer must take place within thirty calendar days.

An attempted repair may also be required if the vehicle is still under twenty-four thousand miles or within two years of the initial delivery date. These kinds of claims are more difficult to prove. Compensation will include all fees and the purchasing price. A replacement vehicle will be of the same market value as the lemon motor vehicle.

FAQs on Idaho Lemon Laws

Does Idaho have a lemon law for used cars?

Yes, Idaho’s Lemon Law applies to vehicles under the following conditions: it must have been purchased from an Idaho dealer; it must have been purchased within 18 months of purchase; and it must be primarily used for personal use. The law requires that the vehicle must have had at least three repair attempts made at an authorized service center dealing with the same problem or have been out of service for 30 days or more due to repairs.

What is the 30 day lemon law in Idaho?

Idaho’s Lemon Law allows consumers who purchased a defective vehicle up to 30 days or 1,500 miles (whichever comes first) from the purchase date to make a claim against the manufacturer due to defects in the vehicle. If the vehicle meets the criteria listed above, consumers can request full refund or replacement of their vehicle.

Is there a cooling off period in Idaho?

Generally speaking, no. However, purchasers may be able to take advantage of other consumer protection laws in Idaho including the Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices. Additionally, if the vehicle was financed through a dealership, purchasers may be able to cancel contracts under the Consumer Credit Code due to errors on their paperwork.

What states have the best lemon law?

Each state has its own lemon law, so there is not one single state that has better laws than others. However, some states such as California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington offer strong consumer protection laws that provide additional recourse for consumers who have purchased defective vehicles.

What is the Consumer Protection Act in Idaho?

The Consumer Protection Act protects consumers from unfair and deceptive acts by businesses. It establishes procedures for filing complaints and regulating how businesses respond to those complaints. Under the Act, businesses are required to provide customers with competent goods and services and ensure advertisements are truthful.

What qualifies as a lemon car in Washington state?

In Washington state, new motor vehicles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles are considered lemons when they fail to meet performance and/or safety standards within a certain time period from their original delivery date. A qualified attorney can help you determine whether your specific situation meets the qualifications for a lemon car in Washington state.

Does Idaho have a 3-day right of rescission?

No, Idaho does not have a 3-day right of rescission. However, some purchases are subject to cancellation or return within 72 hours of purchase under certain conditions such as faulty merchandise or incorrect information provided by the vendor.

Is 32 hours considered full-time in Idaho?

Per Idaho’s administrative rules, 32 hours per week is considered full-time employment and employees are eligible for employee benefits as outlined by their respective employers.

Is there a mandatory cooling-off period?

Not generally speaking. However, depending on the type of contract, some buyers may be able to take advantage of statutory cancellation periods or rescission rights when purchasing certain goods or services.

Can you return a car in Idaho?

Depending on the specific situation, buyers may be able to cancel their purchase or receive compensation for any damages stemming from the purchase of a defective vehicle. Consumers should speak with an attorney familiar with Idaho’s consumer protection laws to learn what options may be available.

Final Word

Idaho’s Lemon Laws provide essential protection for consumers who purchase vehicles that don’t meet their expectations. It is important to be aware of Idaho’s lemon law provisions before making a vehicle purchase. If you have purchased a defective vehicle, it is also important to take action in order to protect your legal rights under the state’s lemon laws. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive all of the benefits that are available to you under Idaho law.