Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley from Missouri and Ben Ray Luján from New Mexico have introduced the REPAIR Act. This legislation seeks to expand options for car owners regarding repairs. The REPAIR Act aims to provide secure access to vehicle repair and maintenance data for car owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers. This information is crucial for the aftermarket industry to ensure safe and affordable repairs.

Senator Hawley commented on the issue, saying, “Big corporations have a history of gatekeeping basic information that belongs to car owners, effectively forcing consumers to pay a fixed price whenever their car is in the shop. The bipartisan REPAIR Act would end corporations’ control over diagnostics and service information and give consumers the right to repair their own equipment at a price most feasible for them."

Senator Luján also expressed his views, stating, “Vehicle owners deserve to have options when it comes to safe, dependable, and affordable auto repairs. Giving vehicle owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers access to vehicle repair and maintenance data is critical to improving repair options. I’m proud to partner with Senator Hawley on this legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to support car owners and repair shops.”

With the increasing complexity of vehicle technology, this act ensures that vehicle owners and their designated repair facilities have the right to repair their cars using the same cybersecurity standards, intellectual property protections, and safety standards that manufacturers provide to their dealership networks.

The REPAIR Act outlines several consumer protections, including prohibiting automakers from blocking motor vehicle owners or their representatives from accessing vehicle data. Additionally, it mandates that repair information, tools, and parts be accessible to owners and aftermarket entities. It also ensures that Over-the-Air updates do not disable aftermarket parts and prohibits automakers from requiring specific brands of tools or parts.

The full text of the bill is available for further review.