Indiana Lemon Law Summary
STANDARDS OF THE INDIANA LEMON LAW
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Indiana lemon
law. The complete text of the lemon law can be found at Indiana Code Sec. 24-5-13.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The Indiana lemon law covers any person who, for purposes other than resale or
sublease, enters into an agreement or contract in Indiana for the transfer, lease or
purchase of a motor vehicle.
VEHICLES COVERED
The lemon law covers any self-propelled vehicle that:
1. Has a declared gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds;
2. Is sold to a consumer in Indiana and is registered in Indiana, or to a consumer in
Indiana who is not an Indiana resident;
3. Is intended primarily for use and operation on public highways; and
4. Is required to be registered or licensed before use or operation.
The lemon law appears to cover used vehicles, but does not cover conversion vans;
motor homes; farm tractors and other machines used in the actual production,
harvesting, and care of farm products; road building equipment; truck tractors; road
tractors; motor cycles; mopeds; snowmobiles; or vehicles designed primarily for offroad
use.
VEHICLE CONVERTERS
The lemon law does not apply to vehicle converters.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers any “nonconformity”, which is defined as any specific or generic
defect or condition or any concurrent combination of defects or conditions that:
1. Substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of a motor vehicle; or
2. Renders the motor vehicle nonconforming to the warranty.
It is an affirmative defense to any claim under the lemon law that:
1. The nonconformity, defect, or condition does not substantially impair the use, value,
or safety of the motor vehicle; or
2. The nonconformity, defect, or condition is the result of abuse, neglect, or
unauthorized modification or alteration of the motor vehicle by the buyer.
More at: bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
