California Lemon Law Timeline

  • California's original Lemon Law Signed

    The Song-Beverly Warranty Act, California's original lemon law, was signed in 1970
  • Federal Lemon Law

    In 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was enacted into federal law, governing warranties on consumer products.
  • California Tanner Lemon Law

    The California Tanner Lemon Law Bill was passed in 1982. It helps define a reasonable number of repair attempts.
  • Expansion in Leglislation

    In 2000, Lemon law protections expanded to small businesses with up to 5 vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds. Protections were also improved for unsafe lemons.
  • Military Lemon Law Exceptions

    In 2007, California's law expanded to provide military lemon law protections to protect members of the armed forces if:
    -The vehicle was purchased from an auto manufacturer that is authorized to sell motor vehicles in the state of California; and
    -The active-duty member was stationed in California either when the vehicle was purchased or when their lemon law claim was filed.