State lemon law · checked October 23, 2026

District of Columbia lemon law

Verified against the statute / official state publicationD.C. Code §§50-501–50-510 (Automobile Consumer Protection Act of 1984)

The short version

Four years to sue — but the defect must occur inside 2 years / 18,000 miles.
One failed attempt at a life-threatening safety defect is enough.
Only miles over 12,000 are charged, at most 10 cents each.

Run your repair log for District of Columbia

The presumption — District of Columbia's numbers

Presumption window	The defect must occur within 2 years of purchase and before 18,000 miles, whichever is earlier.
Same defect	4+ repair attempts
Safety defect	1+ attempt(s) — A safety-related nonconformity (risk of fire, explosion, or otherwise life-threatening): 1 or more attempts after notification.
Days out of service	30+ calendar days

The presumption is the set of numbers that shifts the burden to the manufacturer. A claim can exist outside the presumption — it is a shortcut, not the whole road. Read why.

The buyback — District of Columbia's formula

The use allowance may not exceed $0.10 per mile for miles OVER 12,000. Miles up to 12,000 are free.

Notice and procedure

Attempts count after notification by the consumer — document each defect report to the manufacturer or dealer. Before suing, you must file with the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration (DCRA).

Dispute route: File with the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs before bringing an action.

Attorney's fees: DC provides attorney's fees to a prevailing consumer.

Your deadline

An action must be commenced within 4 years of the vehicle's original delivery to the consumer — the longest filing window in the dataset.

Who and what is covered

New vehicles	Covered
Leased vehicles	Covered
Used vehicles	Not covered
Motorcycles	Not covered
RV / motor home	Not covered

Motorcycles, motor homes, and recreational vehicles are EXCLUDED in DC (DC Attorney General guidance).
New vehicles only — the DC Act does not apply to used cars.

Included in the $39 Lemon Verdict Pack

Your repair-log tracker, the District of Columbia notice letter, the buyback worksheet on District of Columbia's formula, and your deadline calendar.

See the Lemon Verdict Pack

Sources

D.C. Code §50-502 (remedies + presumption)
D.C. Code §50-503 (Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration)
DC Office of the Attorney General, Lemon Law consumer alert

Checked October 23, 2026. Laws change; if your claim is close to a line, verify the current statute or ask a lawyer in District of Columbia. This page is information, not legal advice.