REPAIR Act: Your Car, Your Data, Your Mechanic - New Bill Aims to Level the Playing Field

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, or REPAIR Act, is all about making sure you're in the driver's seat when it comes to fixing your car. It tackles the increasingly common problem where manufacturers lock down vehicle data and make it hard for anyone but their dealerships to do repairs. This bill aims to give car owners and independent repair shops the same access to vehicle data and repair info as authorized dealerships.

Breaking Down the Barriers

The core of the REPAIR Act is about preventing car manufacturers from shutting out independent mechanics. Think of it like this: you buy a car, but the manufacturer still controls who can fix it. This bill changes that. It prohibits manufacturers from using tech tricks or legal loopholes (SEC. 2) to block access to "vehicle-generated data" – basically, the real-time info your car produces about its performance and what might need fixing (SEC. 6). This data, along with critical repair information and tools, must be made available to owners and independent repair facilities, not just dealerships.

For example, if you own a farm and your truck breaks down, you shouldn't be forced to tow it to a dealership hours away. Your local mechanic should have the same ability to diagnose and fix the problem, using the same data and tools. The bill also stops manufacturers from forcing you to use only their branded parts, except for recalls and warranty work (SEC. 2). They even have to put a notice on your car saying you have a choice! (SEC. 2).

The REPAIR Act also establishes a "Fair Competition After Vehicles Are Sold Advisory Committee" (SEC. 3). This group, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will include folks from all sides of the auto industry – independent shops, parts retailers, manufacturers, even consumer rights groups. Their job is to advise the FTC on how to make this law work and ensure fair competition in the repair market. They'll meet at least three times a year and report annually to the FTC, which then reports to Congress every two years (SEC. 7).

Keeping it Real: Potential Roadblocks

While the REPAIR Act aims for a smoother road for car owners and independent mechanics, there are a few potential bumps. Manufacturers might try to find subtle ways to restrict access without outright breaking the law. The bill also allows for the use of "de-identified data" for research and development (SEC. 2), which could be a gray area if not carefully managed. Plus, the advisory committee gets to decide when it's done, which means there could be a point where oversight diminishes (SEC. 3).

Your Data, Your Control

One major aspect is control over your car's data. The bill says you can designate who gets access to your vehicle's data, and you can revoke that access anytime. Those who access your data must delete it within 72 hours of your request, with some exceptions for record-keeping (SEC. 2). They also can't sell or share your data without your permission (SEC. 2). The bill gives the FTC teeth to enforce these rules, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices (SEC. 5). If someone files a complaint and the issue is resolved, the company is off the hook for that specific complaint, but the FTC can still investigate if they see a pattern (SEC. 5).

In short, the REPAIR Act is about giving you more control over your car, from who fixes it to who sees its data. It's a move towards a more open and competitive auto repair market, which could mean more choices and potentially lower costs for consumers down the line.