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 (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 copy of 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 guaranty
  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