No Junk Fees, By Law: What the CARS Act Means at Valley Hi Kia

Kia has built its reputation on real value, a lot of car for the money, without a lot of extras you didn’t ask for. California’s new CARS Act, in effect October 1, 2026, backs that up with the force of law.

No More Padding the Deal

The CARS Act specifically bans charging customers for optional add-ons that don’t offer them any real benefit. That includes things like:

• Nitrogen tire fills advertised as a premium feature without real purity
• Coverage products that don’t apply to your specific vehicle or situation
• Service contracts that would void your Kia’s factory warranty
• Protection packages for things your vehicle doesn’t even have, like catalytic converter coverage on a vehicle without one

If an add-on is offered to you, it has to actually apply to you and your vehicle. That’s always been our approach, and now it’s the law across every dealership in the state.

One Price, No Guesswork

Dealers are also required to advertise the real total price you’ll pay, not just a manufacturer’s suggested price with extras tacked on later. The only additions allowed after the advertised price are taxes, government fees, and a documentation fee. What you see is what you’re working with before you ever sit down at the table.

Read the full CARS Act guide for everything the law covers, including the new 3-day cancellation right on used vehicles and how disclosures now apply whether you finance, lease, or pay cash.

Common Questions

Does this mean Kia prices just went up to cover the difference?

No. The law requires honest advertising of the real price, it doesn’t require dealers to charge more. It just means the number you see upfront should already reflect what you’ll actually pay before tax, fees, and documentation.

What should I do if I’m offered an add-on I’m not sure I need?

Ask what it specifically does for your vehicle. Under the CARS Act, any add-on offered to you has to provide genuine value for your purchase, so it’s a fair question to ask before saying yes.

Does this apply to new Kias too, or just used?

Price transparency and the add-on rules apply to new and used vehicles alike. The 3-day cancellation right specifically covers used vehicles priced at $50,000 or less.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.