The Refund (Repurchase) Remedy in Washington, D.C.

The refund (repurchase) is the remedy many D.C. consumers choose — and the 12,000-mile free band makes it especially valuable. Under § 50-502, if the vehicle qualifies, the manufacturer must repurchase it and refund the purchase price, less a limited use allowance.

What’s included

• Full purchase price of the vehicle.
• Sales tax, license fees, registration fees, and similar governmental charges (§ 50-502).

The use offset — first 12,000 miles free

D.C.’s use deduction is distinctively consumer-friendly:

a reasonable allowance not to exceed 10 cents per mile for use in excess of the first 12,000 miles of operation (§ 50-502).

Two rules combine:

1. The first 12,000 miles are free — no deduction at all for them.
2. Miles beyond 12,000 are charged at no more than 10¢ each.

Worked example

A $40,000 vehicle with 16,000 miles at repurchase:

• Miles beyond 12,000 = 4,000.
• Offset = 4,000 × $0.10 = $400.
• Refund ≈ $40,000 + tax/license/registration − $400.

Because the first 12,000 miles are free and the rate is capped at a dime, the offset stays small — among the most consumer-favorable in the country.

Leased vehicles

For leases (lessees are covered consumers), the refund returns the lessee’s payments and amounts paid, less the same limited offset, and terminates the lease.

How you get it

The refund is ordered by the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration (or reached by settlement). Where there’s deception, pair it with the CPPA for treble-or-$1,500/violation and punitive damages.

Bottom line

A D.C. refund returns your full price plus tax, license, and registration, minus a use offset that charges only miles beyond the first 12,000 (at up to 10¢/mile) — a small, consumer-friendly deduction. Get a free case review.

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