Massachusetts Right to Repair Court Case Decision Delayed -

Massachusetts Right to Repair Court Case Decision Delayed

Final judgement on the lawsuit filed by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is expected no later than April 15, 2022.

The Auto Care Association released the following statement regarding a delay in the Massachusetts Right to Repair court case decision involving a lawsuit filed by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

United States District Judge Douglas Woodlock issued a notice on March 8, informing of a delay to provide a decision on the court case due to “unforeseen and unforeseeable circumstances, principally involving supervening but insistent writing responsibilities in other matters.” 

While the decision was scheduled for March 7, the judge has now stated that he would issue a final judgement no later than April 15, 2022.

Approved by Massachusetts voters on November 3, 2020, by an overwhelming 75-25 percent margin, the new Right to Repair law would require manufacturers to provide vehicle owners both access and control of the diagnostic and repair data generated by their vehicles.

Subsequent to the vote, the car company trade group, Alliance for Automotive Innovation filed a lawsuit in November 2020 asking the court to overturn the data access ballot question based on a host of allegations including cybersecurity concerns, insufficient time to comply with the new data access requirements and their contention that the ballot initiative is preempted by federal law. 

“While we are disappointed in the delay, we continue to hope that the court will ultimately uphold the will of the people of Massachusetts,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association and Aaron Lowe, SVP, regulatory and government affairs, Auto Care Association. “However, no matter the result, Auto Care Association is committed to continuing the campaign to ensure that car owners, nationwide, have the ability to directly access their in-vehicle data in real time and to have that data available to the repair shop of their choice.”

You May Also Like

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will lead a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy.

The Auto Care Association today announced the addition of Jacki Lutz as director of content to its communications team.

As the director of content, Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms. Lutz also will be responsible for shaping and driving content initiatives to meet the association’s business objectives; enhancing brand presence; and engaging with current and prospective members.

MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

Milestone underscores MEMA’s legacy supporting vehicle suppliers’ interests.

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

Castrol plans to explore additional innovative technological opportunities.

Auto-Wares Group Wins TCED Super Bowl Contest

Auto-Wares winners will be accompanied by TCED President Elise Rozon.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

Restore & Protect motor oil showcased in ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Other Posts

Understanding Fuel Trims

The fuel trims are what govern what’s going on inside the engine. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Why You Should Replace The Thermostat

It is always best practice to replace the thermostat on a vehicle after it has overheated. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

EV Cooling Systems

Big EV batteries must be maintained within a specific temperature range. Here’s why.

Understanding Stretch Shrink Belts

Stretch belts need shrinkage. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.