TIA Fights for Right to Repair in Maryland

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) recently testified before the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee in support of right to repair legislation that was introduced in the state last month.House Bill 1193 "addresses the right to repair issue on the state level by requiring a manufacturer that sells motor vehicles with telematics systems to install an open data platform in certain motor vehicles," say TIA officials.

Six TIA tire dealer members in Maryland testified in support of the bill during the hearing, as did representatives from the Specialty Equipment Market Association and other groups.

“Right to repair remains a top priority for TIA members in Maryland and H.B. 1193 would provide for much needed clarity and direction in vehicle repair,” says Roy Littlefield IV, vice president of government affairs for TIA. “Without legislation, Maryland vehicle owners will have fewer repair options, face longer wait times and pay higher prices when they repair their vehicle.”

TIA has been rallying industry support and organizing local members to encourage passage of right to repair legislation in states and on the federal level.

In addition to Maryland, TIA has supported efforts in Maine on a right to repair ballot initiative and in Massachusetts, where passed right to repair legislation after a lengthly legal delay could be implemented in June.

"At the federal level, TIA supports right to repair legislation known as the REPAIR Act," say association officials.

"Modern cars and trucks contain advanced technology that monitors or controls virtually every function of the vehicle, including brakes, steering, air bags, fuel delivery, ignition, lubrication, theft prevention, emission controls and soon, tire pressure. Car and truck owners, as well as the facilities that repair these vehicles, need full access to the information, parts and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair or re-program these systems."