In Minnesota, we like to get outside and ride! Is there anything better than a summer afternoon out on the open road, enjoying the absolute freedom that comes from riding a motorcycle? But if your joy ride breaks down, it can put you in a life-threatening situation if you’re caught unprepared. That’s why it’s important to know your consumer rights when you purchase a motorcycle or offroad vehicle in Minnesota, so you know exactly what to expect if you get a Lemon.
Understandably, most people don’t think about the fine print of their warranty until they start having repair issues. Most of our clients are shocked to learn that in Minnesota, the Lemon Law doesn’t apply tomotorcycles and offroad vehicles like it does to regular cars or trucks. To qualify under the Minnesota Lemon Law, your motor vehicle must be “passenger automobile,” which does not include motorcycles or offroad vehicles. SeeMinn. Stat. § 325F.665 et. seq., section 168.002, subdivision 24(b): “Passenger automobile” does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses, school buses, or commuter vans [used for carrying not more than 15 individuals].”
Even if licensed for the street, motorcycles and offroad vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes unfortunately do not qualify. If you purchased a motorcycle or offroad vehicle you think is a Lemon, you may still have a case even if your product is not specifically covered by the Minnesota Lemon Law. There is a federal law that may still apply to your situation—the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA). See 15 U.S.C § 2301 et seq. Under the MMWA, you can still pursue a breach of warranty claim even if your product is not covered by the state Lemon Law.
To find out if the Minnesota Lemon Law applies to your specific situation, please fill out our Free Case Review or give us a call at (612) 877-3656 to speak to an attorney at no cost.
