As of October 1, 2026, the California CARS Act is officially in effect. Here’s what California dealerships now have to follow: • Total vehicle price must be disclosed upfront, including mandatory dealer fees and charges • If you contact a dealer in writing about a specific vehicle, the total price must be included in their first written response • Add-ons like GAP, service contracts, theft protection and coatings must be clearly disclosed as OPTIONAL • Dealers cannot charge for add-ons that provide no actual benefit • Dealers cannot misrepresent vehicle pricing, financing or lease terms, availability, trade-ins, down payments or add-on products • Qualifying used vehicles valued at $50,000 or less now have a 3-day cancellation option, subject to mileage, condition and fee requirements • Dealers must retain certain advertisements, pricing disclosures, communications, add-on consent and cancellation records for 2 YEARS The FTC already has authority nationwide to pursue many unfair or deceptive dealership practi