STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2022) – A new law authored by State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) will help ensure Hoosiers who purchase handicap-accessible vehicles aren't ripped off if they happen to buy a lemon.
Engleman's legislation, unanimously supported at every step and recently signed into law by the governor, will expand Indiana's Lemon Law to include vehicles modified for a wheelchair. This law provides protections to Hoosier consumers who purchase vehicles that do not meet certain basic standards. The Lemon Law applies within 18 months of buying or leasing for personal use a car or light truck from an Indiana dealer or within 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
"This sends a message that Indiana cares about all of its citizens by extending the protections of our state's Lemon Law to handicap-accessible vehicles," she said. "Our Hoosiers who live with disabilities or care for someone with disabilities know that buying a wheelchair accessible van can be incredibly costly. We want to make sure there are protections in place for these consumers if they buy a defective vehicle, and can't get a refund or a replacement. It's the right thing to do, and I'm grateful to see this bill become law."
She said accessible vehicles can be very costly, and are often equipped with ramps and other modifications to help those with travel-limiting disabilities.
Engleman authored the law in response to a constituent who used their retirement funds to purchase a handicap-accessible van for their child with cerebral palsy, only to find out the vehicle had numerous issues. Engleman said the family ended up pursuing legal action under federal lemon laws, but that can be more difficult because only certain attorneys are familiar with those provisions.
Hoosiers who suspect their vehicle is a lemon, and it meets the law's criteria, must take it to an authorized dealer for repair and allow for a reasonable number of attempts at fixing it. If the vehicle is unable to be repaired, consumers can file a civil lawsuit for replacement or repurchase of the vehicle. Consumers can also file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General's Office by calling 1-800-382-5516 or visiting in.gov/attorneygeneral.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes most of Harrison County, along with portions of Clark and Floyd counties.
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