Assembly Bill 1310, titled the “Used Car Buyers’ Bill of Rights,” would significantly expand consumer protections in the sale of used motor vehicles in New Jersey. It prohibits dealers from advertising or selling a used vehicle as “certified” or using similar language in a misleading way, especially where the vehicle has odometer issues, manufacturer buyback history, flood/salvage branding, major repaired damage, missing inspection documentation, or a disclaimer of merchantability. The bill also tightens existing rules on “as is” sales by barring them for most used vehicles unless the vehicle is a total loss or salvage vehicle and that status is disclosed in writing at or before sale.
The bill creates a new optional 2-day contract cancellation right for many used-vehicle purchases under $40,000, requiring dealers to offer a separate cancellation agreement with capped fees, mileage limits, and refund procedures. If the consumer exercises the option, the dealer must unwind the transaction quickly and return the purchase price, taxes, and any trade-in or down payment vehicle, subject to detailed conditions. The bill also requires prominent written notices in sales documents and dealership offices explaining that there is no cancellation period unless the buyer purchases the option.
In addition, the bill updates New Jersey’s used-car warranty law by increasing minimum warranty durations and mileage thresholds, extending protections to vehicles with higher mileage than under current law, and providing implied warranty coverage for vehicles with 125,000 miles or more. It also removes the consumer waiver provision by repealing section 7 of P.L.1995, c.373, and revises the statute’s exceptions for low-priced, older, total-loss, salvage, and high-mileage vehicles. The act would take effect on the first day of the second month after enactment.
The overall sentiment reflected in the available history is favorable toward stronger consumer protections, as shown by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reporting the bill with amendments on a 2-1 vote. The committee action suggests support for the bill’s core consumer-rights framework, while the amendment process indicates lawmakers were refining its mechanics and scope rather than rejecting the concept.
The main points of contention are likely to involve the burden on used-car dealers, the cost and administrative complexity of the cancellation option, and the expanded warranty obligations. The bill also draws clear lines around which vehicles are excluded—such as motorcycles, off-road vehicles, total-loss and salvage vehicles, vehicles priced at $40,000 or more, and certain older or high-mileage vehicles—showing an effort to balance consumer protection with dealer and market concerns.
This bill would amend and supplement New Jersey’s used motor vehicle consumer protection laws, primarily P.L.1995, c.373 and the Consumer Fraud Act provisions governing dealer practices. It would create new unlawful practices for misleading certification claims and certain “as is” sales, impose new disclosure and notice requirements, and establish a statutory contract cancellation option for qualifying used-car sales. It also raises minimum warranty protections for used vehicles, changes mileage-based coverage thresholds, and repeals the existing waiver provision in section 7 of P.L.1995, c.373, thereby strengthening mandatory consumer rights and dealer compliance obligations.
The available record suggests generally positive sentiment toward the bill’s consumer-protection goals. The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reported the bill with amendments by a 2-1 vote, indicating majority support but not unanimity. That vote pattern implies the proposal was viewed favorably in principle, while some members likely had reservations about the scope, costs, or implementation details of the new dealer requirements.
The most notable contention points are the new mandatory offer of a cancellation option, the fee and refund structure tied to that option, and the expanded warranty obligations for dealers. Dealers may view the bill as increasing transaction risk, paperwork, and post-sale liability, while consumer advocates are likely to support the added ability to unwind a purchase and the stronger disclosure rules. The exclusions for motorcycles, off-road vehicles, total-loss and salvage vehicles, and higher-priced vehicles suggest lawmakers were trying to limit the new rights to transactions where consumer harm is most likely and dealer exposure is more manageable.