Big Changes Coming October 1: How the CARS Act Helps Northern California Car Buyers
Date: 09.09.26
California’s new CARS Act is designed to give vehicle shoppers clearer information and more confidence.
If you’re planning to buy or lease a vehicle in Roseville, Sacramento, or anywhere in Northern California, a new state law is worth knowing about. The California Combating Auto Retail Scams Act, also known as the CARS Act or Senate Bill 766 (SB 766) , takes effect on October 1, 2026 .
Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, the law establishes new consumer protections for retail vehicle sales and leases in California. In practical terms, it focuses on a few things car shoppers have been asking for: clearer pricing, fewer unwanted add-ons, honest advertising, and additional protection when purchasing certain used vehicles.
Here’s what the CARS Act means for you as a Northern California Kia shopper.
1. You should see clearer total-price information
One of the most important changes is the requirement for dealers to clearly disclose a vehicle’s total price in advertising and initial written communications with consumers.
That means when you see a vehicle advertised online or receive an initial price quote, the information should provide a clearer picture of the vehicle’s price instead of leaving major dealer charges to be explained later in the process.
For shoppers, this can make it easier to:
Compare vehicles at different dealerships
Understand the advertised price before visiting
Create a more realistic budget
Ask informed questions about optional products and fees
Avoid surprises when reviewing purchase paperwork
The total price is not necessarily the same as your final out-the-door amount. Government fees, taxes, registration costs, finance charges, and certain other charges may still apply. However, the CARS Act is intended to make the vehicle’s advertised and initially communicated price more transparent.
When you’re comparing a Kia dealer in Sacramento, Roseville, or another nearby community, look for pricing information that is easy to understand and ask what is included.
Clear conversations about pricing and paperwork help buyers make decisions with confidence.
2. Dealers cannot make material misrepresentations
The CARS Act prohibits dealers from making material misrepresentations in connection with a vehicle sale or lease.
In everyday language, that means important information about the vehicle, price, financing, lease terms, or transaction should not be presented in a way that is false or misleading.
For you as a buyer, this reinforces the importance of receiving straightforward answers to questions such as:
What is the vehicle’s actual selling price?
Which equipment is included?
Are any accessories or protection products already installed?
Which offers or rebates do I qualify for?
Are advertised discounts conditional on financing, trade-in, or other requirements?
What will my payment be, and what assumptions were used to calculate it?
A reputable dealership should welcome these questions. You should never feel rushed to sign paperwork before you understand the numbers.
At Roseville Kia, our team is here to explain the details, whether you’re shopping for a new Kia EV6, a family-friendly Telluride, a fuel-efficient Niro, or a quality pre-owned vehicle.
3. Add-ons must provide a consumer benefit
The CARS Act also addresses add-on products and services. Dealers cannot charge consumers for add-ons that provide no benefit to the buyer or lessee.
This is an important distinction. Optional products can serve a legitimate purpose when they provide value and are clearly explained. Examples may include certain protection plans, service products, or accessories, depending on the vehicle and the buyer’s needs.
The key is that you should understand:
What the product or service does
How much it costs
Whether it is optional
Whether it is already installed
Whether it can be canceled or removed
What benefit it provides to you
You should not be charged for something that offers no consumer benefit, and you should not have to accept an unwanted product in order to purchase a vehicle.
Before signing, review the buyer’s order and ask for an explanation of every line item you do not recognize.
4. Qualifying used vehicles priced at $50,000 or less come with a three-day right to cancel
For qualifying used vehicles priced at $50,000 or less , the CARS Act establishes a three-day right to cancel .
This gives eligible used-vehicle buyers additional time to reconsider the purchase after completing the transaction. The law’s cancellation provisions apply to qualifying used vehicles, not new vehicles, and specific conditions, procedures, and exclusions may apply.
If you’re considering a pre-owned Kia or another used vehicle, ask the dealership for the exact cancellation terms before signing. Make sure you understand:
Whether the vehicle qualifies
How the three-day period is calculated
What steps are required to cancel
Whether mileage or condition requirements apply
What happens with financing, trade-ins, or other parts of the transaction
This protection can be especially helpful for budget-minded shoppers who want to take a little more time to make sure a used vehicle fits their household, commute, and financial plans.
You can explore Roseville Kia’s pre-owned inventory , certified pre-owned vehicles , and used-vehicle specials online before visiting the dealership.
Whether you choose an electric, hybrid, or gas-powered Kia, understanding the price is an important part of the buying process.
5. Dealers must retain compliance records for two years
The law also requires dealers to retain certain compliance records for two years . These records may include advertisements and price communications covered by the CARS Act.
For consumers, this requirement supports accountability. It also highlights why it is smart to save your own records while shopping, including:
Screenshots of online advertisements
Emails and text messages
Written price quotes
Vehicle listings
Offer details
Copies of signed documents
Keeping your own records can help you compare information from different dealerships and refer back to what was discussed during your purchase.
What should Sacramento-area Kia shoppers do now?
The CARS Act takes effect October 1, 2026, but you do not need to wait until then to become a more informed shopper. Whether you’re searching for a kia dealer sacramento drivers can visit or comparing kia dealerships in Sacramento CA , these habits can help:
Ask for the total vehicle price in writing.
Review every add-on.
Confirm eligibility for discounts.
Save your communications.
Read before signing.
Choose a dealer that values transparency.
Roseville Kia welcomes greater transparency
At Roseville Kia, we believe customers deserve clear information and helpful guidance throughout the vehicle-buying process. Our “Pay Less, Say Yes” approach is built around helping Northern California drivers find the right vehicle at a competitive price without unnecessary pressure.
We'll help you PAY LESS, so you can SAY YES!
Jordan Rodgers, General Manager, Roseville Kia
Whether you’re shopping for a new Kia, a certified pre-owned model, an electric vehicle, or a quality used car from another manufacturer, our team is ready to answer your questions. You can browse new Kia inventory , shop pre-owned vehicles , or contact Roseville Kia to talk through your options.
For drivers throughout Roseville, Sacramento, Placer County, and the Greater Sacramento area, the CARS Act is a positive step toward a more transparent buying experience. And when you work with a reputable dealer that already believes in straightforward communication, these changes should feel like a natural part of the process.
Roseville Kia serves drivers looking for practical, family-friendly, and electrified vehicles throughout Northern California.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.