06/15/2026
As an independent automotive repair technician and shop owner with more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, I strongly support a vehicle owner's right to choose where and how their vehicle is serviced and repaired.
Modern vehicles rely heavily on software, telematics, and electronic control systems. Independent repair facilities have invested significant resources into training, factory-level diagnostic equipment, service information subscriptions, and specialized tools to properly diagnose and repair today's vehicles. Access to vehicle diagnostic and telematics data is essential for providing consumers with competitive repair options, timely service, and affordable maintenance.
Vehicle owners purchase their vehicles with the expectation that they own them and have the freedom to select the repair provider they trust. Restricting access to repair information or vehicle data creates unnecessary barriers that limit consumer choice, increase repair costs, and reduce competition within the automotive service industry.
Independent repair shops serve millions of vehicle owners across the United States, particularly in communities where dealership access may be limited. We play a critical role in keeping vehicles safe, reliable, and on the road. Any legislation affecting repair access should preserve consumer choice, ensure fair access to vehicle diagnostic and repair information, and maintain a level playing field between manufacturers, dealerships, and independent repair professionals.
The discussion surrounding cybersecurity and vehicle safety is important and should be addressed responsibly. However, legitimate independent repair facilities have safely serviced increasingly sophisticated vehicle systems for decades. Security concerns should be addressed through appropriate standards and safeguards, not by restricting lawful access to repair information that consumers and qualified repair professionals need to maintain and repair vehicles.
Ultimately, the right to repair is about ownership, consumer choice, competition, and ensuring that vehicle owners retain control over the products they purchase.
