Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

"Right to Repair" Passes New Jersey Assembly

The New Jersey Assembly Monday passed the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, an issue that many independent heavy duty repair shops and distributors are watching closely

by Staff
October 27, 2008
2 min to read


The New Jersey Assembly Monday passed the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, an issue that many independent heavy duty repair shops and distributors are watching closely.


The Right to Repair Act ensures that New Jersey independent repair shops will have the same access to service information, tools and software that vehicle manufacturers make available to their new car dealers.

During the hearing, independent repair shops from around the state testified about the problems they experience in obtaining access to information and tools needed to repair their customers' vehicles. Shop owners explained that they often are forced to tell their customers that the dealer is the only place to go for certain repairs or, in some cases, they will take the vehicle back to the dealer themselves rather than tell the customer they cannot complete the repair. Heavy-duty repair shops are experiencing many of the same problems.

Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, testified that the service and parts business is becoming a growing percentage of car companies' profits and therefore, it is of great concern that independent repair shops are becoming more dependent on the car companies and their dealers for tools and information. "The commercial interests at stake in the vehicle repair market demand that Right to Repair legislation be enacted to ensure a level playing field where consumers continue to have a choice of where they have their vehicle serviced," Lowe stated.

Other groups testifying in favor of the bill included the Alliance of Aftermarket Service Providers of New Jersey, New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association, Citizen's Action, the National Federal of Independent Business and AAA.

The bill now moves to the New Jersey Senate for consideration.

More Drivers

Maverick Transportation Freightliner Cascadia.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 12, 2026

Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises

New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.

Read More →
Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →