Louisiana's lemon law and your rights as a buyer

What the lemon law protects, what it doesn't, and what rights you keep when you buy used. With the state's exact deadlines.

This guide summarizes the recorded scope for Louisiana (La. R.S. 51:1941–1948). Eligibility, deadlines and notice requirements depend on the law and applicable coverage; read the state conditions below, including used-vehicle conditions where relevant.

What it covers

Qualifying motor vehicles under R.S. 51:1941 for personal, family or household use, covered by the manufacturer's express warranty, bought or leased; qualifying transferees during the express warranty are also included. The statute includes personal-use watercraft and ATVs. Do not assume a motorcycle or moped qualifies: confirm the current statutory vehicle-category scope before relying on this remedy.

Rights period: You must report the defect during the warranty or the first year from original delivery, whichever ends first. To sue you have 3 years from purchase or 1 year after the warranty ends, whichever is longer.

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more repair attempts for the same defect, or 45 cumulative calendar days out of service, within the warranty or the first year, whichever ends first.

The presumption does not replace the other requirements. Check the official conditions and procedure for your situation.

The process

If the manufacturer has an informal dispute program that meets the federal rule (16 CFR 703), you must use it first. The law asks for no certified letter and no formal notice: you only have to report the defect to the manufacturer or one of its authorized dealers and make the car available for repair within the time allowed (R.S. 51:1942). There is no state arbitration board: next is court, and if you win the manufacturer pays reasonable attorney fees. Complaints and guidance: Attorney General.

Who handles it: Louisiana Attorney General — Consumer Protection Section.

Hotline: 1-800-351-4889.

What you get if you win

A comparable new car or, at the manufacturer's option, a refund of the full price plus sales tax, license and registration fees, minus a reasonable allowance for use. The manufacturer must comply within 30 days. During repairs, up to $20 a day for a rental if it takes more than 10 work days or is the third visit for the same defect.

What it does not cover

Vehicles of 10,000 lb GVW or more; vehicles used only for commercial purposes; used cars bought after the warranty expired; vehicles bought for resale.

I bought used: what do I have left

More than it seems, even if it isn't the lemon law:

• The Buyers Guide (FTC). The guide states the dealer warranty. "As Is" describes that warranty; it does not by itself resolve other state-law rights or remaining manufacturer coverage. The federal rule applies in 48 states (Maine and Wisconsin have their own equivalent rules). If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must post a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
• Remaining manufacturer warranty. Check the warranty contract and its duration and transfer conditions; vehicle age does not guarantee coverage.
• In Louisiana: There is no separate used-car lemon law, but do not write it off too fast: if you buy a used car that is still inside the original manufacturer's warranty, the lemon law counts you as a consumer (R.S. 51:1941(2)(b)) and you can use it. You are protected by: redhibition against hidden defects (Civil Code arts. 2520–2548); the deceptive practices law (LUTPA, R.S. 51:1401); the mandatory buyback notice (R.S. 51:1945.1); and complaints against dealers and lenders to the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and the Attorney General.