STANDARDS OF THE WASHINGTON LEMON LAW
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Washington
lemon law. The complete text of the lemon law can be found at Rev. Code of
Washington §§ 19.118.005 et seq.
VEHICLES COVERED
The Washington lemon law covers a new motor vehicle that:
1. Is primarily designed for the transportation of persons or property over the public
highways;
2. Was originally purchased or leased at retail from a new motor vehicle dealer or
leasing company in Washington; and
3. Was initially registered in Washington, or for which a temporary license was issued
to a nonresident member of the U.S. armed forces who has applied for out-of-state
registration.
New motor vehicle includes a motorcycle, a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of
less than 19,000 pounds, the self-propelled vehicle and chassis of a motor home, and a
demonstrator or lease-purchase vehicle sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.
New motor vehicle also includes a vehicle purchased or leased with a manufacturer’s
written warranty by a member of the armed forces, regardless of in which state the
vehicle was purchased or leased, if (1) the vehicle otherwise meets the definition of a
new motor vehicle, and (2) the consumer is a member of the armed forces stationed or
residing in Washington at the time the consumer submits a request for arbitration.
The lemon law does not cover a new motor vehicle purchased or leased by a business as
part of a fleet of ten or more vehicles at one time or under a single purchase or lease
agreement.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The lemon law covers a consumer, defined as any person who, during the duration of
the eligibility period (defined below), has entered into an agreement or contract for the
transfer, lease or purchase of a new motor vehicle, other than for purposes of resale or
sublease. The lemon law also covers a subsequent transferee, defined as a consumer
who, within the eligibility period, acquires a motor vehicle with an applicable
manufacturer’s written warranty and where the vehicle otherwise met the definition of a
new motor vehicle at the time of original retail sale or lease.
More at: http://www.bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
