Generally, the California Lemon Law applies only to vehicles “sold in California.” However, there is an exception for active duty military service members. California is home to more than 175,000 active duty military service members, many of whom are residents of other states. Like many Californians, active duty service members stationed in this state often need a vehicle for personal use, whether they purchase vehicles in California or bring vehicles purchased in other states to California.

In recognition of the sacrifices military service members make while stationed in different states, the legislature created a special exception for military personnel stationed in California. Under the military exception, active-duty military service members qualify for the California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Act) if (1) the vehicle was purchased while they were stationed in California, or (2) the lemon law complaint was filed at the time the active-duty service member was stationed in California. This means that vehicles not purchased in California may qualify for the California Lemon Law as long as they were purchased while stationed in California. If you are an active-duty military service member experiencing car trouble, call us today for a free consultation.