Know Your Rights
Washington, D.C. Lemon Law, Explained
Coverage, repair attempts, arbitration and remedies under D.C.’s Automobile Consumer Protection law, D.C. Code §§ 50-501 to 50-510.
Who Does D.C. Lemon Law Cover?
The law covers a new motor vehicle manufactured for sale, offered for sale, sold or registered in D.C. and designed mainly to carry passengers. A “consumer” includes a purchaser who is not buying for resale, and anyone to whom the vehicle is leased or transferred while a warranty is in effect.
Excluded vehicles
Public-transit buses, motorcycles, motor homes and motorized recreational vehicles are excluded.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-501.
Report the Problem Within the Window
The reporting window ends at the earlier of the first 18,000 miles or 2 years from delivery to the original purchaser. The consumer must report the problem to the manufacturer, its agent or an authorized dealer during that window.
A dealer that receives the report must forward written notice to the manufacturer by certified mail within 7 days. Repairs must be free, even if they take place after the window closes.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-502(a).
Repair Presumptions
D.C. law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts when one of these patterns occurs:
4+
Same non-safety problem
The same non-safety problem has been repaired four or more times and is still present.
1+
Same safety-related problem
The same safety-related problem has been repaired one or more times and is still present.
30+
Cumulative days out of service
The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-502(d).
The 30-day period extends for war, strike, fire, flood or natural disaster. D.C. Code § 50-502(e).
Replacement or Refund
Comparable replacement
At the consumer’s option, the remedy is a comparable replacement vehicle or return of the vehicle for a refund.
Return & refund
The refund includes the full purchase price, sales tax, license and registration fees and similar charges. Deductions may include a use allowance of up to 10 cents per mile beyond the first 12,000 miles and an allowance for damage beyond normal wear.
Refunds are paid to the consumer and any lienholder according to their interests.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-502(b).
Manufacturer Defenses
The manufacturer may assert that the problem does not significantly impair the vehicle, or that it results from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-502(c).
Arbitration Comes First
Before bringing a court action under § 50-502, the consumer must first submit the claim to the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration. D.C. Code § 50-502(f); D.C. Code § 50-503.
1. Acceptance decision
The Board decides within 5 business days whether to accept the claim.
2. Decision on an accepted case
The Board decides an accepted case within 60 days.
3. A new trial in court
A party can seek a new trial in court within 20 days of receiving the decision.
The arbitrator may award reasonable attorney fees to the claimant.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-503.
Returned Vehicles & Later Buyers
Returned vehicles are noted on the D.C. title, and dealers must disclose that information to later buyers.
Source: D.C. Code § 50-502(g).
Filing Deadline & Other Rights
The lawsuit deadline is 4 years from delivery of the vehicle to the consumer. D.C. Code § 50-507(b).
Rights under other laws are preserved. D.C. Code § 50-507(a).
How D.C. Differs from Maryland
| Rule | Washington, D.C. | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting window | Earlier of 2 years or the first 18,000 miles from original delivery. | Earlier of 24 months or the first 18,000 miles from original delivery. |
| Safety-defect rule | Same safety-related problem repaired 1+ times and still present. | Brake or steering failure: 1+ same repair, manufacturer notice and opportunity to cure, and continued noncompliance with Maryland safety inspection laws. |
| Motorcycles | Excluded. | Class D motorcycles are covered vehicle types. |
| Arbitration first | Before a court action under § 50-502, the claim must go to the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration. | The statute permits resort to a qualifying manufacturer's informal dispute procedure; it does not impose D.C.'s Board-first requirement. |
| Refund use deduction | Up to 10 cents per mile beyond the first 12,000 miles. | Reasonable use allowance capped at 15% of purchase price. |
| Lawsuit deadline | 4 years from delivery to the consumer. | 3 years from original delivery. |
Official Sources
- D.C. Code §§ 50-501–50-510: Automobile Consumer Protection
- D.C. Code § 50-501 — definitions & exclusions
- D.C. Code § 50-502 — repairs, remedies, presumptions & returned vehicles
- D.C. Code § 50-503 — Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration
- D.C. Code § 50-507 — other rights & filing deadline
- D.C. Attorney General: Lemon Law guidance
- Commercial Law § 14-1501: definitions & covered vehicles — comparison sources
- Commercial Law § 14-1502: repairs, remedies, notice, deadlines & fees — comparison sources
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