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Official titleAn Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Automotive Right to Repair Working Group

Maine Right to Repair

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The issue

"In November 2023, Maine voters overwhelmingly approved (84%) a ballot initiative requiring manufacturers of telematics-equipped vehicles to provide car owners and independent repair facilities with direct access to mechanical data through a standardized, owner-authorized platform. The law took effect January 5, 2025.

Following the vote, the Maine Attorney General convened a working group in 2024 to develop recommendations for legislation establishing an oversight entity. The working group delivered its report in February 2025, recommending a Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Commission with advisory authority rather than rulemaking power.

In June 2025, the legislature passed LD 1228, which would have replaced the standardized platform requirement with ""fair and reasonable terms"" language favored by OEMs. Governor Mills vetoed LD 1228 in January 2026, calling it ""a finger on the scale in favor of auto manufacturers and against local businesses."" The Senate sustained the veto 24-10.

LD 2211, ""An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Automotive Right to Repair Working Group,"" was introduced in the 132nd Legislature's Second Regular Session and passed both chambers in April 2026 (House 76-68, Senate 32-2). The bill establishes the Right to Repair Commission, preserves the original voter-approved data access requirements, and maintains the telematics platform mandate. the Association submitted testimony in support on March 6, 2026."

Auto Care position

The Auto Care Association supports LD 2211 as a balanced, technology-neutral policy that preserves competition, consumer choice, and independent repair access to vehicle data. The legislation ensures that the same diagnostic and repair information made available to authorized dealer networks is also available to vehicle owners and the independent repair professionals they choose, without compromising cybersecurity or intellectual property protections.

Impact

LD 2211 preserves the original voter-approved requirement that automakers provide standardized access to vehicle telematics data for independent repair facilities. This ensures Maine's independent shops can continue to perform diagnostics and repairs on connected vehicles, protecting local jobs and consumer choice. The bill also establishes a Right to Repair Commission to monitor OEM implementation and recommend further legislative action if needed. Maine's framework is a leading model for telematics data access and is being closely watched by other states and federal policymakers.

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