Commentary

The Right to Repair Act

When the first Model Ts rolled off assembly lines in 1908, it was a relatively simple matter for the informed car owner to repair any mechanical problems that might develop. As cars became more sophisticated, an ever-increasing level of skill became necessary—but until recently, one thing remained the same: when diagnosing a problem, the service technician was limited only by his or her own experience level.

The computer technology used in modern cars has changed that. As much as 80% of a modern vehicle's systems are computer-controlled, generating information that is encoded onto the car's computer chips. Because car manufacturers treat this as proprietary information, even the most skilled technician is unable to diagnose many problems without access to the manufacturer's specialized tools and software—items which many manufacturers release only to their own dealerships.

In 2001, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Bill was first introduced in Congress. This bill aimed to address the emerging issues of car repair in the Information Age. If passed, it would require manufacturers to make the same diagnostic tools available to independent repair facilities that they provide to dealerships. The bill was defeated several times and is being reintroduced in Congress this year.

AAA believes this legislation is necessary to ensure that critical repair information is available to all professional repair technicians. The Right to Repair Act would ensure three things for the consumer: choice, safety and the right of ownership.

1. Consumer choice
Car owners should have the choice of having their vehicle serviced at a dealership or at an independent repair facility. The right to choose who services your car is fundamental to owning a car. Limited choice inhibits competition and ultimately hurts consumers.

2. Vehicle safety
Service technicians need access to vehicle diagnostic information to repair the critical safety functions of the vehicle. AAA believes that safety, above all else, is the top priority. Why should a car owner be compelled to use service facilities that may have previously delivered poor service, or be denied the opportunity to get a second opinion?

3. Your ownership rights
When you buy the car, you own its parts—from the muffler to a computer chip within the electrical system. But vehicle manufacturers currently have no obligation to share the information on that computer chip, either with the owner of the car or with an independent service technician nominated by the owner. In his testimony before a House subcommittee in 2004, Edward Donovan of AAA Mid-Atlantic stated, "AAA believes that when you drive off the lot with your car, you, the consumer, own more than just the vehicle; you should control the information the vehicle generates so that it can be repaired by a trusted service advisor of your choosing."

To make your voice heard on this important issue, write to your state and national government representatives. AAA Colorado's online Legislative Action Center at www.aaa.com/yourvoice is a convenient way to find and contact your representatives directly.