26-239 C.M.R. ch. 106, § 15 - NOTICE TO CONSUMERS

A. Owner's Manual Sticker. Beginning no later than 60 days after the effective date of these regulations, all new motor vehicles and those used motor vehicles still within the Maine Lemon Law term of protection which are sold, offered for sale, or displayed in Maine shall have affixed to the cover of the warranty booklet a yellow sticker which states in not smaller than 5 point type:

If your motor vehicle is seriously defective and cannot be repaired, you may be eligible for Maine State Lemon Arbitration and a new motor vehicle or your money back. For more information, read the Lemon Law brochure in this warranty booklet or call the Attorney General's Lemon Arbitration Program at (207) 626-8848, or (800) 436-2131 or e-mail lemon.law@maine.gov.

B. Manufacturer and dealer responsibilities. The manufacturer shall be responsible for supplying these notices to selling dealers and for entering on each cardboard notice the name and address of the manufacturer's agent for that particular vehicle who should be contacted in order for the manufacturer to make its final repair attempt. The dealers shall be responsible for placing the notices on the owner's manual and inside the warranty booklet.

Manufacturers are encouraged to submit a copy of their proposed sticker and notice to the Attorney General for prior approval.

C. Warranty Booklet Lemon Law Notice. Beginning no later than 60 days after the effective date of these regulations, all new motor vehicles and those used motor vehicles still within the term of protection which are sold or offered for sale in Maine shall include inside the warranty booklet a separate yellow cardboard notice in the following form in not smaller than 10 point type:

Click here to view Image

MAINE ATTORNEY GENERAL LEMON LAW ARBITRATION

IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE

The Maine Lemon Law ( 10 M.R.S.A. §§1161 - 1169 ) provides free Attorney General arbitration for consumer buyers or lessees whose motor vehicle (including motorcycles and motorized RVs) is seriously defective. Under the Maine Lemon Law, you may have a right to a refund or a replacement of the vehicle if the following applies:

1. There is an unrepaired defect or combination of defects which substantially impairs the use, safety, or value of your vehicle; and

2. This unrepaired defect was reported to the dealer or manufacturer: during the manufacturer's express warranty; and within the 3 year period following the delivery date of the vehicle to the original purchaser or lessee; and during the first 18,000 miles of operation; and

3. The defect still exists or has recurred after: 3 or more repair attempts for the same defect; or 1 or more repair attempts for the serious failure of either the braking or steering system; or Being out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 15 or more business days (for one or more defects); and The manufacturer had been given in writing a 7 day Final Opportunity To Repair.

For this vehicle you should notify the Manufacturer or its authorized dealer of the defects and the right to make a final repair. Mail to:

[Name and address of Manufacturer]

The Attorney General's state-run arbitration is different from any manufacturer sponsored program to which you may also be entitled. Under the state Lemon Law program, you will receive a free hearing before a neutral state Arbitrator and a decision within 45 days of acceptance of your Lemon Law application. If your vehicle is declared a Lemon, the manufacturer must refund your purchase price or replace the vehicle.

You must apply for state-run arbitration within 3 years after delivery to the original consumer and within the term of the manufacturer's warranty.

THIS SHEET PROVIDES ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE MAINE LEMON LAW

To request arbitration, or to get further information contact:

The Attorney General's Lemon Law Arbitration Program

Consumer Protection Division, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Telephone: (207) 626-8848 or (800) 436-2131 (option 3)

e-mail: lemon.law@maine.gov

http://www.maine.gov/ag/

Notes

26-239 C.M.R. ch. 106, § 15