Laws & Regulations

The law gives used-car buyers more protection than most of them use — and less than most of them assume. Federal rules cover odometer disclosure and the dealer Buyers Guide window sticker; everything else, from title brands and lemon laws to what a private seller must disclose, is decided state by state, and the differences are large. This section explains what each rule actually requires, who it applies to (dealers, private sellers, or both), what it entitles you to when a sale goes wrong, and how to use it: where to complain, what evidence to keep, and when a lawyer is worth the cost. For state-specific detail, use the State Guides.