Local Shop Owners Support 'Right to Repair' Measure

Two local auto repair shop owners say they support the Right to Repair initiative, a question proposed for the 2012 election ballot.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State William Galvin gave approval to the House Clerk to proceed with the initiative, which is one of four that Galvin certified has enough signatures (more than 68,911) from registered voters to proceed, according to The Boston Herald.

The Right to Repair legislation "would give every technician—not just dealers—access to the same information, so you can get your car fixed where you want to, saving $300-$500," according to Massachusetts Right to Repair.

As it stands, say advocates for the new leglsation, certain diagnostic equipment, information and tools are reserved for the manufacturer of the car, forcing the car owner to go to the dealer, rather than his or her chosen mechanic, when there is a problem.

According to Massachusetts Right to Repair, independent technicians would no longer “need to purchase expensive tools and software for cars they service only a few times a year. Instead, car owners and independent technicians will have up-to-date access to repair and diagnostic information for all makes and models of vehicles on the road using a universal interface system.”

John Lacroix, owner of at 727 Hartford Tpke., says giving shop owners access to the information would result in a less expensive and quicker repair.

“It would just make everyone’s life a lot easier,” he said. “It’s something that we really need.”

A study conducted by cartalk.com found, after reviewing charges on Honda and Dodge dealerships verses independent repair shops, customers paid an average of of up to $320 more.

Lacroix said he belongs to some groups that can get him the information needed, such as the Automatic Service Transmission Group in Florida. Joining these groups costs money, he said, adding that he pays $800 per year to belong to one group and $240 for another.

“Sometimes you still get a dead end. Sometimes that’s not enough,” he said. “What are we supposed to do?”

Jason Graveson, owner of at 152 Hartford Tpke., agrees.

“I’m definitely for it,” he said of the Right to Repair legislation. “The independent shops can’t get the information…we need the information in order to fix the vehicles.”

The Legislature, acccording to The Boston Herald, has until May 2 to vote on the petition. If not approved by the lawmakers, 11,000 additional signatures must be gathered before the measure makes it to the November ballot.