Maine’s automotive right to repair law, explained

 Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, speaks during a debate on overriding Gov. Janet Mills' veto of a right to repair implementing bill on Jan. 13 in the House chamber of the Maine State House in Augusta. (Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer) Just over two years ago, [84% of Maine voters supported a citizens initiative](https://www.pressherald.com/2023/11/07/right-to-repair-pits-small-shops-against-automakers/) to save independent automotive repair shops by giving them the information necessary to service modern vehicles. The measure required auto manufacturers to provide electronic diagnostic and repair data to vehicle owners. That way, local repair shops could service newer model vehicles, which are essentially computers on wheels. The initiative was touted as a double win for consumers. They could save money on auto repairs that typically cost more at dealerships while asserting that the data collected from their vehicle belongs to the owner, not the manufacturer. But so far, the implementation of the so-called [right to repair law](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1810.html), which [took effect Jan. 1, 2025](https://www.pressherald.com/2025/01/06/right-to-repair-law-takes-effect-but-changes-still-to-come/), has stalled. 1\. What was the original idea behind right to repair? In newer cars, diagnostic information is transmitted wirelessly.... --- *Note: This is a summarized excerpt. Click the source link above to read the full story.*