(BOSTON 2/13/2026) — The Massachusetts Senate acted yesterday to strengthen consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles by expanding the state’s car buyer protection law, increasing the mileage for used car warranties, and strengthening the bonds that give relief to victims of auto sale fraud.

Lengthening the state’s Lemon Law timeline, customers who purchase a new or used vehicle would have seven days after receiving delivery of the auto to void the sale if the vehicle fails to pass inspection.

The bill would also boost the maximum mileage for used vehicle warranties by 50,000 miles – up to 175,000 miles – protecting drivers who buy older and more affordable cars.

“Having a reliable car is essential for people who live in rural areas or in places that are underserved by public transportation. We have to make sure that there are robust protections for buyers who are making a purchase that often runs them tens of thousands of dollars,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “By updating our lemon laws and extending manufacturer warranties, we are giving additional peace of mind to hardworking Bay Staters that they won’t fall into financial ruin if their vehicle has a defect.”

Guarding consumers from the effects of fraud, the legislation doubles – up to $50,000 – the surety bond that used car dealers are required to post to receive their license. The bond is held for the benefit of any buyer who experiences fraud. S.2945, An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions, also supports people who choose to lease their car by giving lessees a 21-day grace period to catch up on their payments before their car is repossessed.

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

The Senate passed the bill 38-0 and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.

###