Representatives Todd Platts, R-Pa., and Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., have introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, HR 1449, into the 112th Congress.


The Right to Repair Act requires that automakers provide full access at a reasonable cost to all service information, tools, computer codes and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles. The bill is intended to level the competitive playing field for motoring consumers and between new car dealerships and independent repair shops. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same non-proprietary diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers.

While the bill is aimed at the automotive industry, similar issues exist in the commercial truck repair business, as well.

"The Right to Repair Act is really about who owns the vehicle's repair information, the car owner or the car company. After spending thousands of dollars to purchase a vehicle, consumers should not be denied the ability to have that vehicle repaired at the facility of their choice," said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality.

For more information: www.righttorepair.org