P&A Providers & Administrators
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Group Acts to Block Right-to-Repair Law

Alliance for Automotive Innovation files court document to prevent enforcement of Massachusetts right-to-repair law.

May 30, 2023
Group Acts to Block Right-to-Repair Law

The Alliance argues enforcing the law on June 1 would cause "irreparable harm" to automakers.

Credit:

Pixabay

2 min to read


 

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has taken legal action to prevent enforcement of Massachusetts' revised right-to-repair law, according to a court document filed last week.

The move comes after state Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in a March filing that her office would start enforcing the law as of June 1, citing it as being "in the public interest."  

Ad Loading...

In its filing, the alliance argues that enforcing the law on June 1 would cause "irreparable harm" to its members. Compliance with the law, the group claims, could cause automakers to compromise "essential cybersecurity protections" in their vehicles.

The alliance further says that attempts to circumvent compliance, such as disabling telematics systems or withdrawing from the Massachusetts market, would harm consumers and automakers and damage brand reputations.

A hearing on the alliance's request for a temporary restraining order was scheduled for Tuesday.

The alliance lawsuit seeks to block the revised right-to-repair law approved by voters. The group contends that the amended law conflicts with federal regulations, poses cybersecurity and vehicle-safety risks, and imposes an impractical compliance timeline.

Former Attorney General Maura Healey, who currently serves as Massachusetts governor, previously announced her office would not enforce the revised law until the federal court ruled on claims made by automakers challenging the legislation. But U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock has repeatedly delayed a ruling for over two years.

Ad Loading...

The measure, which the lawsuit refers to as the "data access law,” mandates that automakers with sales operations in Massachusetts equip vehicles utilizing telematics systems with a standardized, open-access data platform, starting with the 2022 model year. The platform would provide vehicle owners and independent repair shops with real-time information from telematics systems, including crash notifications, remote diagnostics and navigation.

A similar ballot initiative, supported by automotive after-market companies, is currently under way in Maine. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has been advocating for an alternative ballot measure that would codify provisions outlined in the 2014 national memorandum of understanding between automakers and the independent repair industry.

As the enforcement date for Massachusetts' updated right-to-repair law approaches, the legal battle intensifies, with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation seeking to delay implementation and raise concerns over cybersecurity and compliance challenges.

 

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Compliance

Photo of desk in sunny office
Complianceby Terry O'LoughlinFebruary 1, 2026

What to Expect in 2026 - New Rules and Regulations on the Horizon

In Trump’s first year, just 60,917 pages were printed in the Federal Register, the official journal of the federal government, down 42%.

Read More →
ComplianceNovember 10, 2025

Singing a Gospel Song Backward

Crime and punishment in auto retail and how to avoid them

Read More →
ComplianceSeptember 15, 2025

Fines of the Times

Civil penalties for noncompliance with federal auto retail and finance rules and regulations can add up quickly. Use this checklist to cover your bases.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Complianceby Hannah MitchellSeptember 5, 2025

Cyber Threats Continue Apace

Hackers, seeing auto retail vulnerabilities in 2024 CDK incident, are taking advantage, data show.

Read More →
ComplianceAugust 11, 2025

Your Synthetic ID Theft Policy

Frankenstein’s monster is coming for your dealership. Use this guide to recognize synthetic ID thieves and maintain Red Flags Rule compliance.

Read More →
ComplianceJune 30, 2025

The Regulatory Empire Is Striking Back

President Trump - entropist and corporate disruptor in consumer law

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ComplianceJune 26, 2025

How to Clear a Red Flag

Refine and enforce your dealership’s FTC-mandated ID theft-prevention program to ensure no transaction goes awry.

Read More →
Computer screen showing the Audit F&I Review Dashboard, displaying dealership selection and manager scorecard options for ABC Dealership.
Complianceby Press ReleaseJune 18, 2025

Mosaic Adds Continuous Monitoring With AuditF&I

New AuditF&I platform is designed to give dealerships a smarter way to stay compliant.

Read More →
ComplianceJune 9, 2025

The Real ID Deadline

Challenges auto dealers may still face verifying identities

Read More →
Ad Loading...
IndustryMay 28, 2025

Mount Rushmore and Tariffs

A return to autarky? Are tariffs good policy?

Read More →