Maine has a very consumer friendly lemon law; in fact, it may be the most consumer friendly law in the nation. The law covers any new car, van, motorcycle, truck or recreational vehicle purchased or leased in the state of Maine. This law covers these vehicles for three years, the length of the manufacturer’s warranty or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. The three year time period is exceptionally generous; many states allow as little as twelve months. Vehicles weighing more than 8500 pounds are exempt from the law.

Another unusual aspect of the Maine Lemon Law is that it covers used vehicles in addition to new ones. Very few states have such laws that cover used vehicles; in most states, buyers are on their own from the minute they leave the dealer’s lot.

In order to qualify as a lemon, the following conditions must be met:

• The vehicle must have a nonconformity which affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or value. Problems caused by unauthorized modification, negligence or abuse are not covered.
• The vehicle may have a problem with steering or braking which was not successfully repaired after one attempt by the manufacturer, or
• The vehicle may have a problem of some other nature which was not successfully repaired after three attempts by the manufacturer, or
• The vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of fifteen days due to unsuccessful repairs for the same problem.

The fifteen day period is quite generous; Louisiana, for instance, requires 90 days out of service before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon.

If these conditions are met, the owner of the vehicle has the right to contact the manufacturer and inform them that they are invoking the lemon law. This should be done by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. At that time, the manufacturer is given one final attempt to repair the problem and will have seven business days to complete the repair. If that repair is unsuccessful, the owner has a right to demand either a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, along with taxes and license fees.

Should the manufacturer decline, the owner may request an arbitration hearing. This hearing is conducted at no charge to the owner, as it is funded by a $1 fee attached to the sale of every new vehicle. At the arbitration hearing, each party is allowed to present their case to an impartial arbitrator, who will rule for either one side or the other. The arbitrator’s ruling is binding upon the manufacturer.

As always, the state recommends that owners of problem vehicles maintain records of all repair bills, correspondence with dealers and/or manufacturers and any other relevant written information which may assist in proving that the vehicle is a lemon.

Administration of Maine’s lemon law is handled by the office of the Maine Attorney General. The AG’s office may be able to answer any questions you may have about your specific case involving a defective automobile.

If you are suffering problems with your car, SUV or van, you may find that you need legal assistance. LegalMatch can help find an experienced attorney for you in your area. Confidentiality is guaranteed, all lawyers are licensed, and the service costs you nothing.