Feb. 18, 2011 — The Right to Repair Act, meant to ensure better repair choices for consumers by giving independent shops the same access to non-proprietary service information as dealerships, was recently introduced in Massachusetts.

Currently, independent shops cannot access certain repair codes, tools and safety-related bulletins.

“What this bill is really about is ensuring our constituents will always have a choice to have their vehicles repaired at a shop of their choice,” said Rep. Garrett Bradley, D-Hingham, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Given the tough economy we're in, we have to remember that consumers pay a lot for their cars and for repairs, so they should get it fixed where they want.”

The Massachusetts Senate passed the act during the last legislative session, but the House did not take action before the session ended.

Independent shops and aftermarket parts associations have lobbied for roughly a decade to get various versions of the Right to Repair Act through Congress. Car companies and affiliated dealers have generally opposed the act because of concerns about divulging company secrets.

For more information about the act, go to rightorepair.org.