On Jan. 9, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Senate Bill 1712, which will require vehicle manufacturers to send a notice to consumers within 90 days of a new car lease or purchase of their warranty rights under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA). The bill passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature with broad bipartisan support. The bill passed the Senate (31-0) and passed the Assembly (74-0), showing the overwhelming support for this consumer notification in the car buying process.

“This is another positive step toward educating consumers nationwide on their warranty rights and their ability to get their car serviced at the facility of their choice,” said Tom Tucker, director, state government affairs, Auto Care Association. “We will continue to work in the legislative and regulatory arenas to promote the MMWA and what it means for consumers.”

The newly-signed bill does not change federal law or the MMWA in any way; it requires the vehicle manufacturers to notify new car owners in the state of New Jersey of their existing rights. In addition, the vehicle manufacturers will have to place the same notice online or in the owner’s manual. This is only the second bill requiring consumer notification of MMWA rights to be passed in the country. 

“Gaining the right to repair your vehicle at the facility of your choosing without voiding the vehicle warranty was only half the battle in protecting consumer choice,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “The Auto Care Association and our allies are dedicated to consumer choice and we are fighting to ensure that the federal rights of consumers are not only acknowledged by the states, but actively protected and defended by them too.”

Auto Care industry professionals seeking more information on the MMWA can visit autocare.org/mmwa to get informed on the issue, download materials and get involved by educating their partners in the supply chain, employees and consumers.