Timeline of the changes
| Date | Change | What it did |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 29, 2024 | AB 1755 signed (Chapter 938) | Added Code of Civil Procedure §§ 871.20–871.30: new time limits, pre-suit notice, mediation and payment schedules |
| Oct 31, 2024 | Rodriguez v. FCA US | Used cars with leftover factory warranty no longer count as new motor vehicles |
| Apr 2, 2025 | SB 26 signed (Chapter 1) | Made the AB 1755 procedures opt-in and required the DCA to publish the opt-in list |
| Each Dec 15 | DCA list | The DCA must publish the list of opted-in manufacturers by December 15 each year |
How the opt-in works
- A manufacturer elects through a DCA web form. After verification it is added to the published list within 2 business days.
- The election covers its new vehicles sold in 2025 and the previous five years.
- The election is irrevocable for five calendar years.
- Manufacturers that do not opt in stay under the existing Song-Beverly and Tanner Act rules.
What it means for owners
| Time limit | Sue within 1 year after the warranty ends, max 6 years from delivery (§ 871.21) |
|---|---|
| Pre-suit notice | Written demand at least 30 days before suing for civil penalties |
| Manufacturer’s response | Offer within 30 days and complete a buyback or replacement within 60 days |
| Notice address | Must appear on the manufacturer’s website, owner’s manual and warranty booklet, in English and Spanish |
| After a settlement | Restitution or replacement must be processed within 30 days of a signed release, or daily penalties apply |
What did not change: the 18-month / 18,000-mile presumption tests, the remedies of replacement or restitution, and the usage offset formula.
Whatever the rules, start by testing your facts: run the lemon law checker for your California car.
Frequently asked questions
What is AB 1755 in California lemon law?
A 2024 law that added Code of Civil Procedure §§ 871.20–871.30. It sets a shorter time limit, a pre-suit notice step, mediation and payment schedules. After SB 26 it applies only to manufacturers that opt in.
Did California lemon law change in 2025?
Yes. SB 26, signed April 2, 2025, made the AB 1755 procedures opt-in for manufacturers and required the Department of Consumer Affairs to publish the list of manufacturers that opted in.
Does the new California lemon law apply to my car?
It depends on your manufacturer. Check the DCA’s published list. If your manufacturer is not on it, the existing Song-Beverly and Tanner Act rules apply.
Sources
Checked on October 10, 2026. Read how we verify every rule in our editorial policy.