A Lemon Law hearing is your opportunity to prove to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that your vehicle is a lemon. You must present your own testimony or that of witnesses. You should also present letters, repair orders or other documents (except affidavits) to prove to the ALJ that your vehicle is a lemon.

Presenting a case to the ALJ is somewhat like appearing before a judge of a small­claims court. There are certain legal procedures that a judge must follow. The ALJ will relax the rules as much as possible, but the process is subject to the Texas Administrative Procedure Act, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Rules of Evidence.

When a hearing is needed, TxDOT`s goal is to hold it and issue a decision within 150 days after receiving the complaint and filing fee. If the 150­day period expires without a decision, the consumer has the right to use the Lemon Law in court as though the Lemon Law process were complete.