Right to Repair: The Federal Repair Act

Policy Position

New barriers to working on your own vehicle, independent automotive repair, and manufacturing replacement parts are emerging as vehicle technology evolves. As automotive technology continues to evolve, independent repair shops, aftermarket businesses, and automotive enthusiasts must have access to the tools and information necessary to repair and service motor vehicles.

SEMA supports H.R. 906, the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act," a bipartisan bill that protects consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles. The bill provides independent repair shops and aftermarket businesses that produce OEM comparable parts the right to access critical information, tools, and equipment needed to maintain and repair at a fair and reasonable cost.

Below are key provisions of the REPAIR Act:

Prohibits manufacturers from imposing technological or legal barriers that block aftermarket replacement part manufacturers from accessing critical information and tools necessary to develop interoperable products with emerging vehicle technology.
Establishes the right for replacement part manufacturers and independent repair shops to access critical information, tools, and equipment needed to maintain vehicles.
Requires companies producing vehicles equipped with telematics to make any critical repair information and tools available to replacement part manufacturers and repair facilities at a fair and reasonable cost.
Provides vehicle owners with data and information wirelessly generated by their vehicles.
Establishes a right for vehicle owners to securely share their vehicle's repair and maintenance data with their repairer of choice.

Passing the REPAIR Act is a key legislative priority for SEMA in 2023. It is essential to protect our rights to repair the vehicles we own.

SEMA is also committed to protecting the right to modify vehicles by prohibiting automakers from locking down ECUs and ensuring aftermarket companies have access to the information needed to recalibrate vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems after they have been modified. There is more work to be done on behalf of the aftermarket industry - stay tuned for more information on this front.