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The following was submitted by the Office of Sen. Jason Lewis:
State Sen. Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass legislation that strengthens consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles by expanding the state’s vehicle buyer protection law, increasing the mileage for used car warranties, and raising bonds to protect victims of auto sale fraud.
“Buying a car is stressful enough without needing to worry about bad actors trying to take advantage of you,” said Lewis. “This bill prioritizes affordability and enhanced consumer protections to help families save time and money when purchasing a new or used car.”
The Senate’s vehicle purchasing protection bill:
- Lengthens the state’s Lemon Law timeline, allowing buyers to void a sale if a vehicle fails to pass inspection within seven days of delivery, instead of within seven days from purchase.
- Increases maximum mileage for used vehicle warranties by 50,000 miles—up to 175,000 miles—protecting drivers who buy older, more affordable cars.
- Doubles the surety bond that used vehicle dealers are required to post—from $25,000 to $50,000—to protect buyers and ensure financial relief for victims of fraud.
- Provides a 21-day grace period for vehicle lessees to catch up on their payments before their car is repossessed.
After passing with bipartisan support in the Senate, the bill was sent to the House of Representatives for further review.
