Federal Right To Repair Legislation Back The Spotlight

Editor's note:  Read Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' thoughts on the Right to Repair issue here.

The Right to Repair issue is back in the spotlight in the nation's capitol. Last week, the federal REPAIR Act was reintroduced to Congress, after stalling last fall. The reintroduction comes on the heels of new proposed federal legislation, called the SAFE REPAIR ACT, made by coalition of repairers and automakers.  Both the reintroduced bill and proposed legislation center on allowing private individuals and independent mechanic shops the same access to diagnostics and tools needed to repair vehicles that franchised dealers have access to.  

REPAIR ACT

Technically it's known as the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act". The legislation was reintroduced with some revisions on February 25th, 2025, by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02).

Lawmakers say the REPAIR ACT will ensure vehicle owners have access to important repair and diagnostic data needed for auto repairs. They say currently automakers are restricting vehicle owners and automotive repair shops from accessing repair data and tools, which results in higher repair costs, fewer service options, and longer wait times for vehicle maintenance.  The REPAIR Act would affirm that this data belongs to the vehicle’s owner, not the manufacturer.  

“Americans are tired of lip service about lowering prices or respecting the trades. We want to be able to fix our own stuff and to be stewards of our stuff and not reliant on a stream of cheap disposable crap. But auto manufacturers have made it increasingly difficult to exercise real agency,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “It’s time for Congress to listen to ordinary Americans and pass right to repair legislation.”

“American consumers deserve full control over their vehicle repair and maintenance data to ensure they can find the best service for their vehicle at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturers are standing in the way of American consumers accessing their own data to use the repair shop of their choosing, limiting consumer choice,” said Congressman Dunn. “For far too long, manufacturers have championed anti-competitive practices by withholding crucial maintenance information, squeezing their customers and independent repair shops.

Full text of the bill is available here.

In a press release, the Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, and Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) applauded the reintroduction and outlined key provisions of the legislation:

• 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. 

Note, that according to a statement from the Specialty Equipment Association,  the bill does not extend similar protections to individuals and businesses that modify and customize vehicles, nor does it provide access to the information needed to properly recalibrate ADAS systems after a vehicle has been modified.

SAFE Repair Act

The REPAIR Act isn't the only legislation on the topic that's making news. On February 20, 2025,  the Automotive Service Association, Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Society of Collision Repair Specialists proposed legislation of their own. The coalition of repairers and automakers says the Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act guarantees independent repair facilities will continue to have the same ability to perform diagnostic and repair services as franchised auto dealers and that it will give consumers confidence their vehicles are safely repaired, in well-equipped shops, by well-trained technicians using the repair information made available by automakers.

The SAFE Repair Act builds on a 2023 agreement by independent repairers and automakers that said: “independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.” 

In a letter to Congress outlining the proposal, the coalition wrote:

“While... existing frameworks have created a thriving and competitive repair marketplace, we understand the desire for a federal legislative solution that addresses evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. That’s why our three organizations have come together to propose a new path forward – one that builds on existing protections while introducing additional measures to prioritize consumer safety and choice.”

The SAFE Repair Act includes:

• Affirmation of vehicle data access: Ensures consumers and independent repair shops have data needed to repair vehicles.
• Empowers consumers: Ensures consumers retain the right to decide where and how their vehicles are repaired.
• Prioritizes vehicle safety: Guarantees repairs are performed in accordance with manufacturer-produced repair procedures to restore vehicle safety systems and structural integrity.
• Offers part choices: Ensures consumers have a choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and non-OEM repair parts.
• Protects non-OEM choices: Extends the same recall and safety protections to customers choosing non-OEM parts as currently available for customers choosing OEM parts.
• Enhances transparency: Requires disclosure of prior alterations or repairs for used vehicles.
• Promotes inspection programs: Supports periodic safety inspection and post-collision inspection programs to safeguard against unsafe or improper repairs.

We'll keep you updated on future developments.