Federal REPAIR Act Advances
The federal REPAIR Act has advanced in the US House, signaling possible national protections for DIY repair rights. If passed, it would secure consumer access to parts, tools, and manuals across the country, building on recently passed state laws. A new FTC report finds that manufacturers' repair restrictions are largely unwarranted, strengthening the case for consumer-friendly legislation.
- The full name of the legislation is the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act," and it has been introduced with bipartisan support in both the U.S. House and Senate. - A key provision of the act would require vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair shops with the same real-time, in-vehicle data that they provide to their authorized dealers. - The bill is supported by a broad coalition of aftermarket auto part suppliers and repair shops, including the Auto Care Association and the CAR Coalition. Opponents, such as the National Automobile Dealers Association and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, argue the legislation is unnecessary and raises concerns about consumer data privacy and cybersecurity. - The act would establish a "Fair Competition After Vehicles Are Sold Advisory Committee" at the Federal Trade Commission to monitor and report on competition in the automotive repair market. - As vehicles become more computerized, manufacturers can wirelessly transmit diagnostic data directly to their servers and dealerships, potentially locking out independent repair shops from accessing that information. - Proponents argue that by restricting access to repair data and tools, automakers can drive up repair costs and limit consumer choice for where they can get their vehicles serviced. - Some opponents of the bill, including the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, suggest the legislation is more focused on benefiting aftermarket parts manufacturers and insurers than independent repairers. - The legislation has advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade by a voice vote, meaning no members present objected, and now awaits action by the full committee.
