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Over the years, a number of American consumers have driven "brand new" vehicles off the lot, only to find that their new car is suffering from serious defects and dangerous impairments that could cost them their lives. Cars with faulty braking or steering systems and other failures can keep a car off the road for more than 30 days a year, which further hinders the consumer's life. In these cases, federal laws and state lemon laws may be able to help that consumer recoup some of the losses associated with such extensive (and unwarranted) repairs.

When it comes to automobile lemon laws for the different states, the Ohio lemon law is one of the best. For example, instead of covering consumers for 1-2 years, Ohio law allows consumers up to five to file their complaint. The law may apply to passenger vehicles carrying nine or fewer people, ride-sharing vehicles not carrying more than fifteen people, farm trucks that carry less than a ton and are used for personal reasons, noncommercial motor vehicles and any parts of motor homes that are not used for cold storage, cooking, eating or sleeping. Most states do not cover motor homes at all, so Ohio law is a little more liberal in its translation. A "reasonable number of repair attempts" is defined as three or more times in a year or 30 days of downtime to fix the same problem, eight or more attempts to repair any nonconformity, or one attempt to repair a nonconformity that could cause serious injury or death if not repaired.

The Florida lemon law covers cars and trucks sold in Florida, including demonstrators, recreational vehicles and leased vehicles, but not including motorcycles or the living facilities of the motor homes (flooring, plumbing, fixtures, heating/cooling, generator, electrical systems). Not all state lemon laws clearly define which "defects" or "nonconformities" are covered, but Florida local laws specifically mention "conditions," such as the vehicle failing to start or overheating as cause for a lemon law case. The lemon law rights period extends for two years, rather than one, in which time a consumer must take the vehicle in for service. The "reasonable" attempts of repairs can be the same nonconformity repaired three times, plus a final attempt after receiving a "demand" letter or a vehicle that has been out of service for 30 days (passenger cars) or 60 days (motor homes) for maintenance.

State lemon laws are a consumer's best defense, since they interpret the vague federal laws. For instance, what constitutes as a "consumer?" In the Wisconsin lemon law, a "consumer" eligible for protection under the law can be the purchaser of a new motor vehicle, not including those who buy the vehicle to resell; a person who received a new vehicle as a transfer (not as a resale); or a person who leases a motor vehicle. Not every vehicular lemon law covers lease-purchase vehicles, but Wisconsin's does, at least prior to the purchase date. Like most states, a moped, trailer or truck is not covered under their statutes. Also, the law covers "vehicle nonconformities," which are defined as something covered by the manufacturer's express warranty that substantially impairs the "use, value or safety" of the automobile.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treatment for anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various medications for panic disorder available at anxietydisordercure.com.

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