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Maine voters approve ballot measure requiring automakers to share diagnostic system access

by | Nov 14, 2023

At a time when it seems like no one can agree on anything, 4 out of 5 voters in Maine voted “Yes” for a ballot question in Maine that asked whether vehicle manufacturers should be required to make it easier for drivers and mechanics to fix cars and trucks.

More specifically, 84% of voters – more than 300,000 people – answered affirmatively to this question: “Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?”

Here’s more background on the ballot initiative. The vote comes at the same time as Congress also reviews a similar federal law called the REPAIR Act.

“This victory ensures that Maine families will continue to be able to rely on their local repair shop, who knows them and their vehicle and provides great value,” said Tim Winkeler, President and CEO of VIP Tire and Service of Auburn, Maine, in a press release from the Auto Care Association.

Supporters told the Portland Press Herald that the next step is for Maine’s governmental leaders to determine how to best implement the necessary rules and regulations, and we’ll be following the news and providing updates as they’re available.

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