Right to Repair Act Backed by Independent Groups

Several organizations and institutions became one as soon as we passed into the new year, asking for the Congress to approve and pass the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, a piece of legislation which would benefit, according to them, all owners of any type of motorized vehicle.

The Right to Repair Act would allow, if approved, each owner of a vehicle to take it in for repairs at a center of their choosing, eliminating the so-called monopoly on this industry held by established manufacturers.

The law would require vehicle manufacturers provide full access at a reasonable cost to all non-proprietary service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles. The law also protects, to a great extent, the trade secrets and technologies of any of the car makers operating in the US.

The approval of the bill is being backed by the Automobile Association of America (AAA), American Military Society, National Grange, Automotive Recyclers Association, Consumer Electronics Association, Engine Repower Council, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, RetireSafe and 60 Plus.

"We want to congratulate those who will be taking the oath of office as members of the 112th Congress and urge them to take up the Right to Repair Act immediately to demonstrate their ability to work together on behalf of the American people," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAA CEO.

“Consumers benefit from competition and these groups know that their members are at a disadvantage when neighborhood auto repair shops are denied ready access to non-proprietary service information and tools needed to properly maintain today's highly sophisticated motor vehicles."