Maine's Right-to-Repair Law for Cars Passes with Overwhelming Support

Maine's right-to-repair law for cars, which allows owners and independent mechanics access to a car's diagnostics systems, won with over 84 percent public support. This victory follows similar laws enacted in California, Minnesota, and Colorado this year. The law in Maine includes an exclusion that allows carmakers to offer a secure portal for resetting a car's security features. It also requires automakers to standardize access to on-board diagnostic systems and provide specific language for heavy-duty vehicles. Manufacturers can require authorization for access, but only through a standardized procedure approved by a third-party panel. Supporters of the right to repair argue that it is common sense, while opponents are primarily manufacturers.