By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved legislation aimed at strengthening protections for people who buy or lease vehicles — a move that comes as car prices remain near record highs nationwide.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxboro) would expand the state’s existing Lemon Law, increase warranty protections for used cars and strengthen financial safeguards for consumers who fall victim to auto sale fraud.
Recent data underscore the pressure facing vehicle buyers, not just in Massachusetts, but across the country. According to data compiled by Kelley Blue Book parent Cox Automotive, the average new vehicle in America sold for $50,326 in December 2025 — an all-time high. The average used vehicle was listed at $26,043, up 2% from November 2025 and nearly 3% higher than a year earlier.
“Updating consumer protection laws to align with the realities of today’s marketplace is long overdue,” said Feeney in an emailed statement. “This legislation gives Massachusetts consumers clearer rights and real recourse when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.”
One major provision of the bill would allow buyers to void the sale of a vehicle that fails inspection within seven days of delivery. Under current law, the seven-day window begins on the date of purchase, rather than when the buyer receives the vehicle.
“By starting the timeline from delivery instead of purchase, we are making sure the law reflects the real-world experience of consumers,” said Feeney. “Families shouldn’t be penalized for delays outside of their control.”
The legislation would also increase the maximum mileage covered under the state’s used vehicle warranty from 125,000 to 175,000 miles, expanding protections for residents who purchase older, higher-mileage cars.
Nationwide supply constraints continue to affect prices. Cox Automotive reports that automakers built roughly 8.1 million fewer vehicles than planned during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the numbers that have since entered the used market. At the start of January, dealers had a 49-day supply of used cars — only slightly improved from a year earlier. The most affordable vehicles remain especially scarce, with just a 38-day supply of used cars priced under $15,000.
“When a vehicle turns out to be a lemon or fails to meet minimum standards, the financial consequences can be devastating,” said Feeney. “This bill reaffirms our commitment to shielding families from unfair and deceptive practices that can upend their lives.”
“Updating the used car Lemon Law is good news for consumers,” said Deirdre Cummings, legislative director for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. “While it’s worked well, vehicles and marketing practices have changed a lot over the past 40 years. It just makes sense that we have modern, commonsense protections to ensure no one gets squeezed by a ‘lemon.’”
The measure further extends protections to vehicle lessees. People who lease their vehicles would receive a 21-day “right to cure” period to catch up on missed payments before repossession proceedings can move forward. The grace period would begin after notice of rights is mailed to the lessee and mirrors protections already available to consumers who finance vehicle purchases.
“For most families, buying a car is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) in a statement. “When a car purchase goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. This law ensures Massachusetts consumers have clear rights, real recourse and confidence when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.”
The bill, titled “An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions,” passed the Senate 38-0 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.