WASHINGTON, June 29 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Monday supporting Americans’ ability to repair their own vehicles.
While Americans are generally free to repair their own vehicles, federal law prohibits tampering with emissions-control systems, and automakers have long restricted independent mechanics’ access to diagnostic software, repair information and specialized tools.
Right-to-repair advocates argue that those restrictions make repairs more expensive and limit consumer choice, while automakers say they are needed to protect vehicle safety, cybersecurity and emissions compliance.
Trump said the action was a continuation of a similar order he signed earlier this year covering farm equipment and non-road machinery, adding it was prompted by reports that people faced legal consequences for repairing their own vehicles.
“It’s really common sense,” Trump said, adding that many Americans are better at fixing their own cars than mechanics.
(Reporting By Jacob Bogage and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
