--- title: "The Legal Fight for ‘Right to Repair’ Continues in Maine" description: "Independent repair shops in Maine have launched a \"Right to Repaire\" campaign, which would provide them with vehicle telematics data." date: "2022-10-23" modified: "2022-10-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-legal-fight-for-right-to-repair-continues-in-maine" categories: - "Aftermarket" - "Car Tech" - "Culture" - "News" --- # The Legal Fight for ‘Right to Repair’ Continues in Maine ![]() *Photo | Getty Images* Earlier in the week, a coalition of independent auto shops in Maine launched a ["Right to Repair"]() campaign for a referendum which would require manufacturers to supply telematics and diagnostic data to smaller auto repair shops. Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows cleared the referendum to go out for signatures, according to *[News Center Maine]()*. If it gets around 70,000 signatures it will be on the ballot and, if it's voted for, Maine would become the second state to introduce right to repair laws, after Massachusetts did the same thing two years ago. Currently, automakers do supply software and diagnostic data to independent shops for new vehicles. However, some telematics data—such as GPS positioning, emissions, temperature, and performance information—is restricted by automakers and can't be seen by typical diagnostic software. Instead, that data is wirelessly sent to dealerships. So when customers take their cars to independent shops, or even use their own personal OBDII scanners, there's information they can't see, which can make problems more difficult to diagnose. The executive director of Maine's Right to Repair Coalition, Thomas Hickey, says that owners should be able to take their car wherever they want for repairs. Hickey led Massachusetts' campaign, which was successful, and feels that voters will be supportive of this initiative. ![]() *Photo | Getty Images* However, automakers are pushing back, as they say access to telematics data can compromise a vehicle's security. Wayne Weikel, representative for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), argues that automakers provide more than enough data and repair options for owners and independent shops. The AAI also agreed to supply such data to any owner who wants to repair their own car, as a daily, monthly, or annual subscription, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2014. It's actually something Maine's "Right to Repair" authors added into their referendum. If this referendum is approved, independent shops will be able to sue auto manufacturers if they're denied telematics data, with possible fines up to $10,000. However, expect automakers to fight back, even if it is approved. After the same referendum passed in Massachusetts, automakers filed a lawsuit to overturn it, a lawsuit whose outcome is still awaiting a federal judged's decision. *Got tips? Send them to nico.demattia@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()