Northern California

Newsom Signs California Lemon Law Changes to Speed Up Court Process for Defective Vehicle Disputes

The law is supported by General Motors and opposed by Tesla, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, among other automakers.
Newsom Signs California Lemon Law Changes to Speed Up Court Process for Defective Vehicle Disputes
An electric vehicle charges at a mall parking lot in Torrance, Calif., on Feb. 23. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Jill McLaughlin
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Californians with defective cars may see faster resolution of their court cases starting Jan. 1, 2025, under a new California law aimed at speeding up proceedings for lemon law disputes.

“I commend the authors for their efforts to expedite resolution of lemon law claims and reduce litigation that is placing increasing pressure on court dockets,” Newsom said in a letter after he signed the bill on Sept. 29.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.