The New Jersey Magnuson Moss Warranty Act mandatory notice legislation, S. 1712, was signed into law in early January and went into effect immediately.
The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) congratulated New Jersey fast lube operators and expressed special thanks to its government affairs committee member Jay Rosenthal, who testified before the New Jersey Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee on behalf of the fast lube industry to help legislators understand the importance of requiring automakers to notify consumers about their MMWA rights.
The new legislation requires that, within 90 days after the purchase or lease of a new motor vehicle in New Jersey, the manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch mail to the buyer or lessee a written statement, and provide a written statement in the owner’s manual, that states:
“The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. s.2301 et seq., makes it illegal for motor vehicle manufacturers to void a motor vehicle warranty or deny warranty coverage solely because an aftermarket or recycled part has been used to repair the vehicle or someone other than the authorized service provider performed service on the vehicle.” The text then proceeds to set out the circumstances under which a manufacturer may deny warranty coverage.