BOSTON (Feb. 24, 2009) — Forty-six state representatives already have signed up to co-sponsor Massachusetts' latest version of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which is expected to be introduced in the state's House and Senate shortly.
As in the federal and other state versions of the bill, the Massachusetts Right to Repair Act would require auto makers to make available to independent garages the same repair and diagnostic information and tools they provide to franchised dealers. Auto makers would be fined $10,000 for the first instance of withholding information, $20,000 for subsequent offenses, and independent auto repairers would also have the right to file civil suits, recovering attorneys' fees and court costs if they win.
“Independent repair shops in Massachusetts frequently have to turn away customers when manufacturers restrict access to computerized codes,” said the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition in a statement. “From tire pressure to brakes, consumers are at the mercy of the car companies and the technology in their own vehicles.”
For the text of the bill and further information, visit www.massrighttorepair.com.