What does Massachusetts mean to pass a bill that allows direct car repair?

In Massachusetts, USA, on November 3 (local time), a referendum voted for the 2020 Massachusetts Right to Repair Initiative, which stipulated the right of consumers to repair their cars, and votes in favor of it. They accounted for 74.9%, and were passed with a majority in favor. There are reports that it is an important vote on the creation of this bill, which expands the scope of similar laws enacted in Massachusetts in 2020.

In Massachusetts, the 2012 Repair Copyright Act made it mandatory for automobiles to provide car owners and independent auto repair shops with repair information and tools similar to those owned by manufacturers or dealers. This law allows car owners to repair their vehicles on their own or at a workshop of their choice, without relying on the manufacturer and designated dealership.

However, the 2012 Repair Copyright Act had a loophole that did not cover high-tech cars that were not so popular at the time. Therefore, as smart cars equipped with advanced high-tech technology and computers became popular, the problem that owners and repair shops could not repair cars began to surface as such cars sent diagnostic information and telematics data directly to companies.

Therefore, consumer groups, including The Repair Association, an organization that aims to promote repair rights, demanded the automakers to disclose data. However, the company declined, saying it would increase the security risk. Security experts are taking a posture to support consumer groups by announcing that they can open diagnostic and repair data to open garage shutters without permission, and that cyber stalking does not track cars.

The Massachusetts referendum, which took place on November 3, was initiated by an amendment to the Repair Copyright Act (collectively Question 1) asking whether to allow car owners to access and share data generated by driving a vehicle with independent repair companies. It was passed with 2.81,625 votes in favor and 831,415 votes in favor of the majority. This may require telematics-enabled vehicles sold in Massachusetts after 2022 to be equipped with a standard open access data platform.

IFixit, a company specializing in parts repair, said that local mechanics have been excluded by sending information about current car maintenance directly to the maker according to the results of the referendum. He said it was possible to get repairs at the repair shop.

In addition, the passage of the bill will enable car owners to access car telematics through a smartphone app, and if companies comply with the Massachusetts bill, it will be effectively expanded to US-wide standards. have. Related information can be found here .