Feds Urge Automakers to Ignore Massachusetts’ Right to Repair Law — Here’s Why

Voters may have approved the ‘right to repair’ law in Massachusetts, which grants vehicle owners access to telematic and repair data, however the government’s recent stance on this legislation has threatened its legitimacy. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announcing on Tuesday, June 12th that carmakers should ignore the state-wide law because it conflicts with federal safety law, the fate of the ‘right to repair’ remains up in the air. Manufacturers, once again, have the upper hand in repair resources.

What is the right to repair law?

The Massachusetts right to repair law, officially known as the “Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Act,” was first enacted in 2012 and later updated in 2020. The law was designed to ensure that vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that is available to authorized dealerships.

Under the right to repair law, vehicle manufacturers are required to provide independent repair shops with access to the same diagnostic and repair information that is available to them. This includes access to repair codes, software updates, and other technical information needed to diagnose and repair certain vehicles.

The law also mandates that manufacturers provide vehicle owners with access to their own vehicle’s diagnostic and repair information, either through a website or by providing the necessary tools and software directly to the owner. This provision allows individuals to choose where they want to have their vehicles repaired and gives them the ability to have repairs done by independent shops without voiding their warranties.

Changes to the right to repair law

The updated version of the law, passed in 2020, expanded its scope to include advanced vehicle telematics systems. Telematics systems gather data from a vehicle’s sensors and send it to the manufacturer for various purposes, such as remote diagnostics and safety features. The law ensures that independent repair shops have access to this telematics data in a standardized format, enabling them to perform diagnostics and repairs effectively.

The Massachusetts right to repair law has been seen as a significant win for independent repair shops, consumers, and the broader automotive industry. It promotes competition and consumer choice by preventing vehicle manufacturers from monopolizing repair information and restricting access to authorized dealerships.

It’s worth noting that the right to repair movement extends beyond Massachusetts. Several other states in the United States have also been considering or have passed similar legislation to protect the rights of vehicle owners and independent repair businesses. For example, Maine also upholds its own right to repair legislation.

What’s are the risks?

Federal regulators claim third party access to vehicle data could pose a significant risk to consumer safety. Basically, having the ability to manipulate or command vehicles in such a way that endangers the safety of the driver and/or other vehicles in close proximity is the biggest concern. Due to the unpredictability and lack of governance, the NHTSA is insisting that automakers ignore the popular vote. 

Why do consumers want the right to repair law?

Over the years, dealerships have held a monopoly over certain car parts and services that are instrumental in completing a repair. As a result, consumers receive high repair bills. Most recently, we’ve seen this be the case for Tesla models owners. Tesla vehicles don’t come readily equipped with spare parts, diagnostic materials or manuals. Meaning, most Tesla repairs happen at dealership authorized locations.

Bottom line

When it comes to public safety, federal laws take precedence. The NHTSA’s outlook on the right to repair law in Massachusetts will likely impact the future of this law in other states. Although this law effectively helps consumers, the concerns over safety and interference with federal guidelines is putting a halt to the initiative.

What are your thoughts on the right to repair law? Do you think it’s fair? Tell us your opinion below!