Idaho's 3-Day Motor Home Buyer's Remorse Law: What You Need to Know

Idaho provides a 3-business-day right of rescission for motor home purchases — but with specific conditions that differ from typical "cooling-off" rules.

The Law (Idaho Code § 49-1607)

Applies to new or used motor homes (self-propelled vehicles designed for temporary living quarters) purchased from a licensed dealer.

Critical Conditions

1. Timing: 3 business days (excludes Sundays, legal holidays) starting the day after contract signing
2. Valid Cancellation Grounds: ONLY two scenarios:
   • Cancellation occurs ≥3 business days before scheduled delivery, OR
   • Within 3 business days after taking delivery IF vehicle "is not as promised or is different from contract description"
3. Written Notice Required: Must deliver in person or send by registered/certified mail, postmarked within the 3-day window
4. Mileage Limit: Right void if you drive >100 miles before discovering issues
5. Condition Requirement: Vehicle must not be damaged/altered by you

Remedies If Validly Cancelled

• Dealer must refund full amount paid (including down payment) within 10 days
• Failure to refund → sue for refund + damages

What This Is NOT

• ❌ General "change of mind" cooling-off period after delivery
• ❌ Applies to private-party sales
• ❌ Applies to towable RVs (travel trailers, 5th wheels) — different statutes may apply
• ❌ Federal "Cooling-Off Rule" (FTC) — that covers door-to-door sales >$25, not dealer lots

Practical Advice

1. Inspect THOROUGHLY at delivery — document everything with photos/video
2. Compare every spec to contract: model, year, appliances, systems, options
3. Test drive before signing if possible (some dealers allow)
4. If issues found: written notice IMMEDIATELY via certified mail + email
5. Keep copies of everything

Idaho's law is narrower than many assume. It protects against misrepresentation, not buyer's remorse per se. Read the contract; know the deadlines.