Consumer Fraud and Automotive Repairs

New Jersey has a host of administrative code regulations that apply to the repair of automobiles.  The dealer or repair shop is assumed to be aware of their obligations under these regulations and a violation of the automotive repair regulations is a per se violation of the Consumer Fraud Act (incurring triple damages and fees).

13:45A-26C.2 Deceptive practices;  automotive repairs


  1. Misleading and deceptive statements;
  2. Starting work without proper authorization;
  3. Failure to give customer a copy of the signed receipt;
  4. Charging the customer for work done or parts supplied in excess of any estimated price given, without the oral or written consent of the customer;
  5. Failure to return parts that are requested;
  6. Failure to list all work performed and whether any new, rebuilt, reconditioned or used parts have been supplied;
  7. Failure to deliver all warranties or guaranties;
  8. Failure to disclose specifics of the guarantee;
  9. Failure to post, in a conspicuous place, a sign informing the customer that the automotive repair dealer is obliged to provide a written estimate when the customer physically presents his motor vehicle to the automotive repair dealer during normal working hours and, in any event, before work is commenced.