Politics and Elections
Congress Examines Vehicle Repair Standards and Access Rules
February 21, 2026
Summary
A House subcommittee held hearings on two proposed bills addressing automotive repair standards, including regulations for advanced driver assistance system calibration and independent repair shop access to vehicle data. The legislation could affect both consumer costs and industry practices.
Key Facts
- House subcommittee discussed bills on vehicle repair standards Tuesday
- Proposed rules would address advanced driver assistance system calibration
- Legislation would create national standards replacing state-by-state requirements
Context
The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce convened on Tuesday to discuss the proposed regulations. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on sophisticated sensors and cameras that require precise calibration after repairs, raising questions about who can perform such work and what standards should apply.
Automakers have typically restricted access to proprietary repair information, arguing safety concerns justify limiting calibration work to authorized dealers. Independent repair shops and consumer advocates contend these restrictions inflate repair costs and limit consumer choice.
The proposed national standards would create uniform rules across states, replacing a patchwork of different requirements. Supporters argue this would improve safety while ensuring competition in the repair market.