Business Vehicles — Lemon Law in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Lemon Law covers new business vehicles, SUVs, vans, trucks, motorcycles and off-road recreational vehicles under 9,000 pounds that are purchased or leased (for at least two years) in New Hampshire. It also covers used business vehicles that are under the manufacturer's express warranty period. In order to be considered a "lemon," the vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Does not conform to the manufacturer's express warranty
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has manufacturer's defects that occurred during the manufacturer's warranty period
• Has been taken in three times for the same problem or has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 business days for a series of unrelated problems within the manufacturer's warranty period
• You have filed for the New Hampshire New Motor Vehicle Arbitration program within one year after the warranty period has expired
• You have participated in the New Hampshire New Motor Vehicle Arbitration program
• Unless you purchased it outright, you have continued to make payments on the vehicle

Under New Hampshire Lemon Law, prior to filing a Lemon Law claim in court, you must file a claim with the New Hampshire New Motor Vehicle Arbitration program within one year after the manufacturer's warranty has expired. When filing for arbitration, you must use New Hampshire's Demand for Arbitration form, submit a $50 fee, and submit copies of your purchase or lease invoice, retail installment contract, manufacturer's express warranty, vehicle registration, proof of current insurance, and all work orders, repair orders, receipts, or reports on work performed on your vehicle by an authorized dealer, along with any other documents that you will be using to support your claim. You must also send a copy of the form and all supporting documents to the vehicle manufacturer.

If your Demand for Arbitration is accepted by the NH New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, a hearing will be scheduled within 40 days of acceptance. The MVAB has 30 days from the date of your hearing to issue a written decision. If you win, the manufacturer has 30 days from the date of the written decision to comply with or appeal the MVAB's order.

Wherever you are in the Lemon Law claim process, it is generally in your best interest to have an attorney represent you. After all, vehicle manufacturers have teams of lawyers that do nothing but fight Lemon Law claims. As you consider your options, imagine the difference between going up against a team of lawyers on your own, versus having a Lemon Law attorney speak on your behalf. Also keep in mind that being represented by a Lemon Law attorney won't cost you a dime if you go to court; the law says that the car manufacturer has to pay your attorney's fees in successful Lemon Law claims.

New Hampshire Lemon Law provides several options for a successful Lemon Law claimant. First, you may be awarded a replacement vehicle of the same year, make, and model. You may also qualify for a monetary award, which can include:

• The full purchase price
• Finance charges
• Credits and trade-in allowances
• Sales tax
• License fees
• Registration fees
• Attorney's fees

The amount of the monetary reward may be reduced by a deduction for your use of the vehicle prior to the first repair attempt, which is calculated by dividing the number of miles driven 100,000, and multiplying by the full purchase price of the vehicle.