The REPAIR Act targets automakers to lift restrictions on vehicle data access for consumer choice and protection of the independent aftermarket
Washington, D.C.—Building on momentum for automotive right to repair, a group of 16 bipartisan lawmakers, led by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), reintroduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act on Tuesday to lift automaker restrictions on vehicle data access.
The REPAIR Act codifies protections that will ensure equal access for consumers to affordable, convenient and safe car repairs at the repair shop of their choosing.
Members of the automotive aftermarket and independent repair shop owners have urged lawmakers to protect their livelihoods with federal repair protections such as the REPAIR Act.
“With the REPAIR Act now reintroduced, our immediate focus is building bipartisan support by increasing the number of co-sponsors. In the last Congress, 56 bi-partisan members joined us in backing this critical legislation, and we’re encouraged to have [the] original co-sponsors already signed on for the 119th Congress,” said Carter Salwin, Senior Manager, Government Affairs at MEMA.
“Next, we’ll push for the bill’s consideration by the full Energy and Commerce Committee.”
The U.S. has 292 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles — 70% of which are currently maintained by independent repair facilities. With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), telematics, and software-driven diagnostics, the legislation addresses growing concerns and existing barriers regarding fair access to repair information.
“We are excited about the reintroduction of this critical legislation and the momentum surrounding the issue. Given the progress we made in the 118th Congress, we are hopeful the House Energy & Commerce committee will consider HR 1566 at the earliest opportunity,” said Lisa Foshee, SVP Government Affairs and General Counsel for the Auto Care Association.
Research indicates that over 60% of independent repair facilities are experiencing difficulties with routine repairs due to OEM barriers and more than 50% of those facilities need to send up to five cars per month back to the dealer, incurring further cost and inconvenience to drivers.
Key Provisions of the REPAIR Act include:
Consumer Choice and Access — Guarantees that vehicle owners, independent repair facilities, and parts manufacturers have access to diagnostic data, tools, and software necessary for safe maintenance and repairs.
Fair Competition — Prevents automakers from monopolizing repair information and services, allowing independent businesses to compete on a level playing field.
Cybersecurity and Safety Protections — Ensures access to vehicle repair data is secure and does not compromise vehicle safety or cybersecurity.
Safety and Compliance — Ensures access to critical repair data and tools needed to properly calibrate and restore brake systems, ADAS technologies, and other essential safety features, returning vehicles to their operational specifications and in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety and emissions laws, regulations, and standards.
Last Congress, industry groups, lawmakers, and members of the auto repair industry demonstrated support for the REPAIR Act with its unanimous passage out of a House subcommittee and a cross-industry coalition’s letter calling for the bill’s passage.
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