Local
California car dealers must disclose full vehicle price up front
The California CARS Act takes effect October 1, requiring clearer advertised prices and giving many used-car buyers three days to cancel.
California car dealers must disclose a vehicle’s total price in advertisements and early written communications beginning October 1 under the California Combating Auto Retail Scams Act, NBC Los Angeles reported September 30. The law defines total price as the sale price including dealer adjustments and installed items, but excluding specified government taxes, fees and charges.
What it means locally
Senate Bill 766 also bars dealers from misrepresenting financing terms, vehicle availability and add-on products. Buyers or lessees of many used vehicles priced at $50,000 or less receive a three-day right to cancel, subject to conditions that include a 400-mile limit and a permitted restocking fee; dealers generally must issue the refund within 48 hours after cancellation. The Legislature’s official bill text says the measure was approved in October 2025 and becomes operative October 1, 2026. The accompanying photograph is a generic dealership scene from August 2025 and is illustrative; it does not show a specific California dealer or enforcement action.
Full report and further details: Read original report →