Weird Texas Laws: What Happens When Your Car is a Lemon?

Yeah, you heard me: a lemon. The State of Texas has a piece of legislation called the Lemon Law. What? You thought it had to do with citrus produce? You fool!

The Texas Lemon Law

Originating as a slang term for a defective product, calling vehicles "lemons" mostly began in the 1960s. It wasn't until 1975 that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (AKA Lemon Law) was implemented. This granted power to consumers who expressed complaints following their purchase of defective vehicles.

Okay, enough with the history lessons. Texas DMV explains the law in a more in-depth way. First off, consumers can rely on this law to help them get a vehicle repurchased, replaced or repaired.

There are three tests that new vehicle owners can put their cars through in order to see if they fall within the lemon law's domain:

1. Four-Times Test
   1. You've taken the vehicle in for four times or more for the same defect within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles
2. Serious Safety-Hazard Test
   1. You've taken the vehicle in for repair of a safety hazard twice during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles and it's still not fixed
3. 30-Day Test
   1. Your vehicle has been out of service for repairing a defect covered by the original warranty for 30 days or more during--you guessed it--the first 24 months or 24,000 miles

Before you start thinking about your new set of wheels, it's important to know what ISN'T covered by the Texas Lemon Law. Repossessed vehicles, trailers that hitch onto a truck, boats and farm equipment are not covered.

Also, the law doesn't cover defects that "do not substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle such as minor rattles, radio static, etc." Texas DMV adds.