Right To Repair Laws

We live in a society where it has become normal for a consumer to replace an electronic device that stops working with a new one. Not only does this become expensive for consumers, but it also takes control away from the consumer. In addition, by forcing so many consumer electronics to become obsolete so quickly, manufacturers make it difficult to promote sustainability.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, the option to have an item repaired instead is growing in popularity. In some cases, such as with motor vehicles, consumers can take their car, truck, or SUV to an authorized dealer for repairs.

As a result of these issues, several states have passed “Right to Repair” laws. These require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the information needed to make repairs themselves without voiding their product’s warranty.

This article examines and explains how these right to repair laws work and discusses the practical aspect of right to repair legislation. It also identifies which states have already adopted these laws and the current state of the right to repair movement.

If you have had difficulty getting a manufacturer or another member of the distribution chain to make the necessary repairs to your electronics, consider contacting a local consumer protection lawyer. They can review your situation and help determine the best course of action.

What Are Right To Repair Laws?

Right to repair laws are relatively new laws that require original equipment manufacturers to share proprietary information with consumers so they can repair their own devices. While only a handful of states have implemented this type of legislation, it seems like it is only a matter of time before most, if not all, states pass right to repair laws.

The purpose of right to repair acts is to enable (and empower) consumers to repair their own electronic goods, rather than have to replace them. Before right to repair statutes, consumers had little choice but to buy new electronics the moment their old one stopped working properly.

Not only did this cost consumers a lot of money, but it also put a kink in sustainability efforts. Consumer rights groups and lobbyists argued for change for over a decade, but it wasn’t until 2022 that states began passing general right to repair laws.

What Products Are Covered Under Right To Repair Laws?

In most instances, right to repair laws apply to electronic goods and devices. However, they also apply to other consumer goods that have historically been less inclined toward repairability.

Some of the types of products commonly covered under state right to repair laws include:

• Smartphones and cell phones
• Laptops and tablets
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines/dryers
• Home appliances
• Digital electronic equipment
• Agricultural equipment
• Heavy farm equipment, such as John Deere tractors
• Medical equipment and medical devices
• Powered wheelchairs

This isn’t an exhaustive list. If you’re uncertain whether you may have a claim under the right to repair laws, consider speaking with an experienced consumer law attorney or repair advocate.

What Do Right To Repair Laws Require of Product Manufacturers?

Before the advent of right to repair laws, product manufacturers would limit consumers’ ability to repair their own devices. Many of these companies implemented repair restrictions, making it nearly impossible for customers to repair their goods, rather than replace them.

The right to repair laws in US states vary. Most of the ones in place require automakers and other manufacturers to give consumers and independent repair shops access to the information needed to repair damaged electronic devices, motor vehicles, home appliances, and other electronic products.

In general, right to repair laws include three key provisions:

• Consumers must have access to repair tools, replacement parts, repair manuals, and other necessary information to help facilitate repairs
• Consumers are permitted to have third-party repairs done without fear of voiding their warranties
• Manufacturers must be transparent when disclosing product schematics, designs, and diagnostic tools

While the details may differ, the states with right to repair laws include these provisions.

Which States Have Right to Repair Laws?

As of January 2026, a handful of states have already adopted right to repair laws. New York was the first state to pass a broad sweeping right to repair legislation in 2022. Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon followed suit in 2023.

The first state to enact right to repair laws for motor vehicles was Massachusetts in 2020. This law required automobile manufacturers to provide open access to their vehicle design schematics and other repair information so vehicle owners and third-party repair shops could complete necessary repairs.

Lawmakers have also passed right to repair bills in the following states:

• Maine
• Ohio
• Washington
• California

The specific laws of each state vary. If you’re not sure about your local laws, it’s a good idea to meet with a local consumer protection lawyer.

There are right to repair bills pending in every state. Experts say it won’t be long before most, if not all, states have active right to repair legislation.

How Are States Approaching These New Laws?

Lawmakers understand that it might not be long before there is a federal right to repair law. Having their own state’s law in place by then will both provide protection and reduce confusion. In addition to pressure from other states, jurisdictions are also aware that, as far back as 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report indicating that manufacturers had policies in place that restricted competition among themselves and third-party repair shops.

While most lawmakers agree that these laws are crucial for consumers and sustainability, there is still concern about the impact they will have on businesses. As such, the battle between right to repair laws and a company’s protections over trade secrets, patents, and other intellectual property is still being fought.

How Do Right to Repair Laws Impact Consumers?

Right to repair laws give consumers the power to buy replacement parts and make repairs to their own devices. Not only is this convenient, but it will also save consumers money. Without these laws, consumers often have no choice but to buy a replacement product whenever something goes wrong with an electronic device.

The new laws will help slow the pace at which electronic goods become obsolete, allowing consumers to hold on to them longer. In addition, consumer with products that often need repairs, such as household appliances and motor vehicles, will have legal permission to choose a third-party repair facility.

Contact a Local Consumer Protection Attorney for Help

If you have a defective or damaged product and want to repair it, it may be more difficult than you think. Even if your state has right to repair laws, enforcement is still in its infancy. Your best option may be to contact a local consumer protection attorney who knows the law and can help you pursue a claim, if necessary.