California lemon law, explained in plain English.
A free information guide for California drivers dealing with repeated warranty repairs. Learn what the Song-Beverly Act covers, when the repair-attempt presumption applies, and how replacement, restitution and certified arbitration work.
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California lemon law overview
Covered vehicles, repair attempts, manufacturer notice, buybacks, arbitration and the newer opt-in procedures.
Used cars and lemon law
When a used, demonstrator or dealer-owned vehicle qualifies—and when a remaining factory warranty alone does not.
How to file a claim
No universal checklist: warranty coverage, Tanner notice, opt-in CCP procedures, ACP arbitration, NMVB mediation and civil actions.
Read the law and official guidance yourself
Our guides link to California statutes, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the DMV and court decisions beside the statements they support. We distinguish the general warranty rules from procedures that apply only when a manufacturer opts in.
Information only, not legal services
This site is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, representation, case evaluations or referrals. For advice about your vehicle and warranty, consult a qualified California attorney or the official agencies linked in our guides. About this site.