What Is the Lemon Law in Washington, D.C. for Used Cars

Washington, D.C.'s lemon law, codified as the Automobile Consumer Protection Act, protects new motor vehicles sold or registered in the District of Columbia. Used vehicles do not qualify for lemon law coverage under this statute.

A motor vehicle qualifies as a lemon when it fails to conform to all warranties and the defect or nonconformity significantly impairs the vehicle's use, reliability, safety, or resale value. Eligible vehicles include passenger automobiles and light trucks, with an enforcement window that extends for the first 18,000 miles of operation or during a period of two years following the date of original delivery to the consumer, whichever date occurs first.

What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Washington, D.C.?

Although Washington, D.C.'s lemon law does not extend to used vehicles, federal statutes and District consumer protection law provide important safeguards for used-car purchasers.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides federal remedies when sellers breach written or implied warranties on motor vehicles. Consumers who receive written warranties on used vehicles can seek compensation for damages, attorney fees, and expert witness costs resulting from warranty breaches. The Act preserves implied warranty protections even when transactions include "as is" language; sellers cannot unilaterally eliminate these federal protections through "as is" designations.

FTC Used Car Rule

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule mandates that dealers display a Buyer's Guide on each used vehicle offered for sale before purchase occurs. The Buyer's Guide must communicate whether warranty coverage accompanies the purchase or the transaction occurs without manufacturer or dealer protection, identify the particular systems included in any warranty and the duration of that protection, specify what percentage of repair bills the dealer assumes under warranty conditions, and direct purchasers toward independent inspection services and vehicle history documentation resources.

Understanding "As Is" Sales in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia prohibits dealers from selling used vehicles "as is." This statutory protection means dealers cannot disclaim all warranty obligations by labeling a vehicle "as is." Dealers remain obligated to provide accurate information regarding vehicle condition, history, and any applicable warranties.

What "As Is" Means for Buyers

In Washington, D.C., an "as is" sale is not a legally recognized transaction when conducted by a dealer. Dealers are prohibited from selling used motor vehicles "as is" and cannot require buyers to accept vehicles with no warranty coverage. Even when a dealer attempts to label a vehicle "as is," this designation does not relieve the dealer of warranty obligations or eliminate the consumer's right to have defects repaired. Buyers retain warranty rights regardless of any "as is" language in the purchase agreement.

Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements

Dealers in Washington, D.C. must provide the FTC Buyer's Guide to all used-vehicle purchasers, clearly indicating whether warranty coverage applies, what systems are covered, the duration of coverage, and the dealer's cost-sharing obligations. Dealers must also disclose whether the vehicle was previously returned to the manufacturer pursuant to the lemon law. If a vehicle is being resold after a lemon law repurchase by the manufacturer, the dealer must state this fact in the sales contract before the buyer signs. Federal odometer disclosure laws also apply to all vehicle transfers in the District.

Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Sales

Because D.C. law prohibits "as is" sales entirely by dealers, the question of exceptions to "as is" protection does not apply in the traditional sense. However, consumers may still face challenges if dealers engage in prohibited conduct. Remedies remain available when dealers commit fraud, misrepresent vehicle condition or history, conceal known defects, falsify odometer readings, or fail to comply with federal disclosure requirements.

Filing a Consumer Complaint

Consumers experiencing mechanical problems with new vehicles or concerns regarding used-car purchases in Washington, D.C. may report issues to the Office of the Attorney General.

Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia
Office of Consumer Protection
400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 442-9828
Official Website: Office of Consumer Protection