What Is the Lemon Law in Rhode Island for Used Cars

Rhode Island's lemon law, officially known as the "Consumer Enforcement of Motor Vehicle Warranties", codified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.2-1 et seq., extends consumer protections to both new and used motor vehicles. The statute applies to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and vans with a registered gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds purchased or leased by dealers or manufacturers after May 11, 1984.

Used vehicles qualify for lemon law protection if they have been serviced three times for the same defect within the dealer's warranty period or have been out of service for 15 days within that warranty period. A separate statute addressing used car transactions, codified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.4-1 et seq., establishes mandatory warranty requirements for dealer-sold used vehicles independent of the general lemon law framework.

What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island provides multi-layered protections for used car purchasers through state warranty requirements, federal law, and federal disclosure mandates.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act establishes federal protections applicable to used vehicles sold with written warranties. This federal statute permits recovery of actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs for breaches of warranty. A significant provision prevents sellers from disclaiming implied warranties when a service contract accompanies the vehicle purchase, even if "as is" language appears in the sales documentation.

FTC Used Car Rule Requirements

The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Used Car Rule, mandating that dealers display a Buyers Guide on every used vehicle offered for sale. This disclosure instrument must clearly identify whether the vehicle carries warranty coverage or is sold without protections. The guide must specify which systems are covered by any warranty, the duration of coverage, and the percentage of repair expenses borne by the dealer versus the consumer. Consumers must also receive guidance to obtain independent history reports and verify eligibility for manufacturer safety recalls.

Rhode Island Mandatory Warranty Requirements for Used Vehicles

Rhode Island law imposes specific warranty obligations on dealers selling used motor vehicles. Dealers must furnish a written warranty with every used vehicle transaction. The warranty duration depends on mileage at sale: vehicles with 36,000 miles or fewer must carry a minimum warranty of 60 days or 3,000 miles (whichever occurs first); vehicles between 36,001 and 80,000 miles require a minimum warranty of 30 days or 1,500 miles; vehicles with more than 80,000 miles must include a minimum warranty of 15 days or 750 miles. These warranties mandate that dealers repair or reimburse consumers for defects in covered parts during the applicable warranty period.

Understanding "As Is" Sales in Rhode Island

Rhode Island recognizes "as is" designations in used vehicle transactions, permitting dealers to disclaim warranties under specific circumstances. However, statutory requirements govern when and how dealers may employ this designation. Dealers cannot universally apply "as is" language without meeting procedural and disclosure obligations mandated by state law.

What "As Is" Means for Buyers

When a used vehicle carries an "as is" designation in Rhode Island:

• The dealer disclaims responsibility for mechanical repairs or component replacement following the sale
• The buyer assumes complete financial liability for defects, malfunctions, and system failures present at the time of purchase
• No dealer-provided warranty protections extend to the vehicle's condition or performance (absent federal protections under Magnuson-Moss)
• Repairs needed after delivery remain the buyer's sole financial responsibility

Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements

Even when dealers employ "as is" designations, Rhode Island law imposes binding disclosure obligations. Dealers must clearly communicate the "as is" status in writing at the point of sale. The Buyers Guide must display an "As Is—No Dealer Warranty" notation in visible fashion. Dealers cannot misrepresent vehicle condition, mileage, accident history, or mechanical functionality. Documentation of title status, including salvage or branded title designation, must be accurately provided. Any failure to comply with these disclosure requirements may render "as is" disclaimers unenforceable.

Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Sales

Despite "as is" designations, Rhode Island law recognizes circumstances permitting legal remedies when dealers engage in prohibited conduct. These exceptions include situations where the dealer makes false or deceptive statements regarding vehicle condition, mechanical capability, or operational history; conceals known defects; or consciously withholds material information about the vehicle's fitness for operation; misrepresents mileage or fails to accurately report odometer readings; fails to disclose salvage, rebuilt, or branded title status as required by law; or violates express warranty terms or specific written representations documented during the sales transaction. In each of these scenarios, buyers retain actionable claims despite the presence of "as is" language in their purchase agreements.

Filing a Consumer Complaint

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 274-4400
Official Website: Consumer Protection Unit