STANDARDS OF THE VERMONT LEMON LAW
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Vermont lemon
law. The complete text of the lemon law can be found at Vermont Stat. Ann. Title 9 §§
4170 et seq.
VEHICLES COVERED
The Vermont lemon law covers a passenger motor vehicle purchased, leased or
registered in the state.
The lemon law does not cover tractors, motorized highway building equipment, roadmaking
appliances, snowmobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, the living portion of
recreational vehicles, or trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 12,000 pounds.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The lemon law covers the following “consumers”:
1. The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a motor vehicle still under the
manufacturer’s express warranty;
2. The lessee, other than for purposes of sub-lease, of a motor vehicle still under the
manufacturer’s express warranty and that has not been previously leased by another
person;
3. Any person to whom the motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of an
express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle; and
4. Any other person entitled by the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations.
The lemon law does not cover any government entity, or any business or commercial
enterprise that registers or leases three or more motor vehicles.
VEHICLE CONVERTERS
The lemon law applies to vehicle converters.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers any defect or condition covered by the warranty that substantially
impairs the use, market value or safety of the motor vehicle to the consumer. This is
referred to as a nonconformity.
The lemon law provides manufacturers with an affirmative defense if it can be shown
that the alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair the use, market value or
safety, or that the nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized
modifications or alterations of a motor vehicle by a consumer.
More at: http://www.bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
