Press Room

Modernizes Lemon Law, Adds 50,000 Miles to Warranties

(BOSTON—2/12/2026) The Massachusetts Senate acted today to strengthen consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles by expanding the state’s car buyer protection law, increasing the mileage for used car warranties, and strengthening the bonds that give relief to victims of auto sale fraud.

Lengthening the state’s Lemon Law timeline, customers who purchase a new or used vehicle would have seven days after receiving delivery of the auto to void the sale if the vehicle fails to pass inspection.

The bill would also boost the maximum mileage for used vehicle warranties by 50,000 miles—up to 175,000 miles—protecting drivers who buy older and more affordable cars.

“For most families, buying a car is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “When a car purchase goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. This law ensures Massachusetts consumers have clear rights, real recourse, and confidence when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairs Rodrigues and Payano and especially thankful to Senator Feeney for his dedication to strengthening these protections.”

“The Senate has made consumer rights and protection a priority for Massachusetts residents, and this legislation supports that message, providing enhanced protections when purchasing a vehicle,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This bill expands the current Lemon Law and makes an important distinction in voiding vehicle transactions by starting the seven-day window from vehicle delivery, instead of purchase date. In addition to expanding the warranty for older vehicles, this legislation also holds car and truck dealers liable by increasing the surety bond they must post and also makes it easier for purchasers who are the victims of fraud to make claims.”

Guarding consumers from the effects of fraud, the legislation doubles—up to $50,000—the surety bond that used car dealers are required to post to receive their license. The bond is held for the benefit of any buyers who experience fraud. S.2945, An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions, also supports people who choose to lease their car by giving lessees a 21-day grace period to catch up on their payments before their car is repossessed.

“For many Massachusetts residents, a car is how they keep a job, get their kids to school, and make medical appointments,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “When a consumer buys a lemon, they are left carrying the financial burden with inadequate protection from our state’s current laws. This legislation updates the Commonwealth’s Lemon Law to match today’s marketplace by raising mileage thresholds for warranties, strengthening surety bond requirements, and ensuring consumers have a clear path to relief should they purchase a ‘lemon.’ As Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, I believe this bill would give Massachusetts residents confidence that when they make a major investment in a used car, they are protected.”

“When it comes to the purchase of a vehicle—one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime—consumers deserve to know they are protected from financial ruin should that vehicle turn out to be a lemon or fail to meet minimum standards,” said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough), lead sponsor of the legislation. “The stakes are simply too high when the vast majority of Massachusetts residents rely on their vehicle as a daily lifeline to economic opportunity, whether it be transportation to work, school, or other opportunities that keep our Commonwealth moving forward. By updating consumer protection laws to align with the realities of modern vehicle technology, we are reaffirming our commitment to shielding families from unfair and deceptive practices that can upend their lives. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her office for their continued partnership, and to Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for their steadfast commitment to protecting Massachusetts consumers.”

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on February 5, 2026, following approval of a previous version by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on November 13, 2025. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website.

The Senate passed the bill 38-0 and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.

Statements of Support

Attorney General Andrea Campbell

“Buying a car is a major investment, and consumers deserve rights and protections throughout these transactions. I am proud to support this bill, which will extend the Lemon Law’s protections, increase the used vehicle warranty, and expand my office’s ability to stand up for Massachusetts consumers. I am grateful to Senator Feeney, Chair Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka for their steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with them and House sponsor Representative Carlos González to increase protections for car buyers across the Commonwealth.”

Deirdre Cummings, Legislative Director, MASSPIRG

“Updating the Used Car Lemon Law is good news for consumers. While it’s worked well, vehicles and marketing practices have changed a lot over the past 40 years. Purchasing a car can be one of the most important and expensive purchases a consumer and their family will make. It just makes sense that we have modern, commonsense protections to ensure no one gets squeezed by a ‘lemon.’”

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