REPAIR Act

This bill gives car and truck owners the right to get the repair data their vehicles create and to choose where and how to fix their vehicles. Automakers must share needed repair information, tools, and parts at fair prices with owners and independent shops. They can’t block repairs with software updates that disable compatible aftermarket parts, unless a safety order requires it. You can use the shop, towing service, and parts you prefer, including aftermarket, recycled, or remanufactured parts. If a manual or software recommends a brand, it must also clearly say you can choose other brands. These rights take effect 180 days after the law is enacted .

Manufacturers can still use cybersecurity protections to keep vehicles and data safe, but they must allow the access this bill requires. You decide who can access your car’s data; makers can’t limit how many people you authorize, and they must notify you when someone you chose accesses it. Any contract terms trying to get around these rights after the law takes effect would be void. Federal rules will set data‑access security standards within one year and require that buyers be told their rights within two years. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the law and run a complaint system that starts within 90 days; automakers must answer complaints within 30 days, and the FTC must finish investigations within 5 months. State laws can’t override these rules or force certain brands or ban aftermarket parts for repairs .

• Who is affected: Vehicle owners, independent repair shops and parts makers, as well as automakers and dealers.
• What changes:
  • Owners get access to vehicle-generated repair data and can choose any shop, towing service, and compatible parts. Automakers must provide repair info, tools, and parts at fair prices and cannot mandate a specific brand or block aftermarket parts through software updates (with safety exceptions) .
  • Makers must notify owners when an authorized person accesses their data; they can use security protections but must still allow required access. Contracts that try to limit these rights are invalid. Proprietary diagnostic devices are allowed but must be sold on fair terms to all shops.
• When:
  • 180 days after enactment: owner access and repair-choice rules start.
  • Within 1 year: security and data‑access standards set by regulators.
  • Within 2 years: buyers must be told their rights at purchase or lease.
  • Within 90 days: FTC complaint system begins; 30 days for manufacturer responses; 5 months for the FTC to issue an order on a complaint .