(Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, Tennessee, California, Arizona, Wyoming)
One of the most confusing parts of filing a Lemon Law claim is whether you must first participate in a manufacturer’s arbitration program — such as BBB AUTO LINE — before filing a lawsuit.
The answer depends on your state and whether the manufacturer maintains a properly certified dispute resolution program.
Below is a detailed breakdown for the states your firm handles.
🇹🇽 Texas Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Yes — but Texas uses a state administrative process, not traditional manufacturer arbitration.
Texas requires consumers to:
- File a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
- Participate in the state-run administrative hearing process
You must exhaust this administrative remedy before filing a court action under the Texas Lemon Law.
However, claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may proceed separately depending on the facts.
🇵🇦 Pennsylvania Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
It depends.
If the manufacturer maintains a state-certified informal dispute resolution program, the consumer must participate before filing suit.
If the manufacturer does not maintain a certified program, arbitration is optional.
Many manufacturers use BBB AUTO LINE in Pennsylvania, but certification status must be confirmed.
🇳🇯 New Jersey Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Yes.
New Jersey requires consumers to go through:
- The manufacturer’s certified arbitration program, or
- The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Lemon Law Unit arbitration process
Completion of arbitration is typically required before filing a lawsuit under the NJ Lemon Law.
🇲🇩 Maryland Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Generally yes.
Maryland requires consumers to participate in:
- A manufacturer-certified arbitration program (if available), or
- The Maryland Attorney General’s Lemon Law Arbitration process
Consumers usually must complete arbitration before filing suit under state Lemon Law.
🇫🇱 Florida Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Yes — mandatory.
Florida requires participation in:
- The Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board (state-run program)
Consumers must complete this arbitration process before filing a Lemon Law lawsuit in court.
🇹🇳 Tennessee Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Only if the manufacturer maintains a properly certified dispute resolution program.
If a certified program exists, the consumer must use it before filing suit.
If no certified program exists, the consumer may proceed directly to court.
🇨🇦 California Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
No.
California does not require consumers to use BBB AUTO LINE or manufacturer arbitration before filing a Lemon Law lawsuit.
Arbitration is optional.
Consumers may file directly in court, which is one reason California is considered highly consumer-friendly.
🇦🇿 Arizona Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Generally required if a certified program exists.
Arizona law requires participation in a certified informal dispute resolution procedure before filing suit — but only if the manufacturer’s program complies with state requirements.
If no compliant program exists, arbitration is not mandatory.
🇼🇾 Wyoming Lemon Law Arbitration Requirements
Is arbitration required?
Typically yes — if a certified program exists.
Wyoming generally requires consumers to participate in a certified informal dispute resolution procedure before filing a Lemon Law lawsuit.
📊 Comparison Chart: Arbitration Required vs Optional
| State | Arbitration Required Before Filing Suit? | Type of Process |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | ✅ Yes | State-run TxDMV administrative hearing |
| Pennsylvania | ⚖ Depends | Required if certified manufacturer program exists |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes | Manufacturer or state-run arbitration |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes | Manufacturer or Attorney General arbitration |
| Florida | ✅ Yes | State-run arbitration board |
| Tennessee | ⚖ Depends | Required if certified program exists |
| California | ❌ No | Arbitration optional |
| Arizona | ⚖ Depends | Required if certified program exists |
| Wyoming | ⚖ Generally Yes | Required if certified program exists |
⚠ Certification status and procedural rules can change. Always review the warranty booklet and state statute.
