Auto repair associations introduce alternative to REPAIR Act
The Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act includes provisions for both data parity between independent shops and dealerships and consumer protections during repairs.
In a letter to Congress, the three organizations argued that the REPAIR Act was not suitable for four key reasons:
Because automotive right-to-repair is already established in the U.S.
Because automakers already provide information, tools, and data for diagnosing and repairing vehicles to independent shops, and that the associations work with the industry to get answers to technical issues
That the REPAIR Act does not provide enough protection for consumer choice in making sure that repair data is used to fix vehicle safety systems and structures
And that there is a 2014 national memorandum of understanding for automakers, aftermarket distributors, and manufacturer associations that guarantees access to repair and diagnostic information for repair shops
“While these 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,” the letter to Congress stated. “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.”
According to the associations, the SAFE Repair Act addresses these issues by preserving data access parity between shops and dealers and grants consumers more protection. More specifically, the proposed act affirms that:
Independents have the same ability to perform diagnostic and repair services as dealers
Consumers have the right to decide where and how they want vehicles repaired
Consumers can have their vehicle repaired in accordance with OEM procedures to restore vehicle safety systems and structure
Consumers are provided with a choice of parts between OEM and non-OEM parts for repairs
Consumers who choose non-OEM parts have the same recall and safety protections as those who choose OEM parts
Consumers who purchase used vehicles are made aware of prior alterations or repairs
There will be safety inspection and post-collision inspection programs to ensure repairs properly completed
In response to the letter, the Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers President Paul McCarthy said the views in the proposal represent “a small fraction of the repair market.” The two men also stated that while they appreciated the associations’ agreement that federal legislation is needed to protect consumer choice in vehicle repair, they found the new proposal to be more of a hindrance than a help.
“That said, this latest proposal appears to be a tactic to delay and defeat pro-consumer right to repair legislation at every level,” McCarthy and Hanvey said in a release. “The bipartisan Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act) is a straightforward approach to ensure safe and secure access to vehicle repair and maintenance data.”
Alex Keenan is an Associate Editor for Fleet Maintenance magazine. She has written on a variety of topics for the past several years and recently joined the transportation industry, reviewing content covering technician challenges and breaking industry news. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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