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Letter to the Editor
Friday June 22
Massachusetts State Representative Pedone Introduces Right to Repair Act
Massachusetts’ motoring consumers continue to encounter the growing problem of the inability to have their 1994 and newer vehicles repaired at the shop of their choice. Due to computers in the vehicles that contain repair information codes on vital systems such as brakes, steering mechanisms, tire pressure, batteries, electronics, and more, consumers are frequently forced back to the dealerships for complete repairs rather than their independent shop of choice.To protect consumers' rights and ensure that vehicles remain as safe as possible, Representative Vincent A. Pedone (D- Worcester) has introduced House Bill 296, The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. This pro-consumer, pro-small business, pro-safety legislation allows motorists to choose where, how, and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, ensuring competitive pricing, quick, affordable repairs, and cleaner-running vehicles.
Anne Mack, of Harding Tire Company in Worcester, has stated that passage of the Right to Repair Act is essential to the independent tire dealer. Mack said that the lack of information given to tire dealers by automotive manufacturers is a deliberate tactic to eliminate some repair shops and forces consumers to have virtually no choice in decision-making regarding repairs to their vehicles.
“Automobile manufacturers have created an obvious unfair advantage for new car dealerships, and it is time for the playing field to be leveled,” she said.
Stan Morin, Director of the Campaign for the Right to Repair Act in Massachusetts, praised Representative Pedone for his advocacy on behalf of motoring consumers and small businesses in Massachusetts.
Morin said, "Representative Pedone's legislation is paramount in protecting consumers from the road blocks placed in the way of repairing their vehicles."
The Right to Repair Act is supported by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP-MA/RI), the American Automobile Association (AAA), the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), RetireSafe (which represents 400,000 seniors nationwide), and the National Grange, among others.
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