Right to Repair decides whether you can fix what you own

Right to Repair determines whether you can fix something you own by requiring manufacturers to give you, the owner, and independent repair shops access to diagnostic tools, replacement parts, and repair manuals. It applies to different things, from electronics to appliances and heavy equipment, depending on where you live. 

Despite being an old idea, Right to Repair remains largely unimplemented in the U.S., but the good news is the growing number of states pushing legislation to make it more widespread. An article published by the Public Interest Research Group notes that by the start of 2026, 25.75% of Americans now live in a state with Right to Repair laws and protections. 

Understanding this legal concept and movement can help you, as a consumer yourself, have more freedom when it comes to fixing things you own and control over repair costs. 

What Does the Term “Right to Repair” Mean? 

The term “Right to Repair” is a consumer movement and legal concept. From the consumer movement’s perspective, it’s a campaign advocating for:

• Consumers to have the freedom to open their devices, machines, or equipment
• Increasing the availability and access to parts and tools you need to fix your stuff
• Independent repair shops to stay in business 

As a legal concept, Right to Repair refers to certain enacted or proposed statutes.

Such laws require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide the public with access to diagnostic tools, replacement components, and repair manuals. In this case, the public includes independent technicians and consumers who own products that OEMs manufactured. 

Do All States Have a Right to Repair Law? 

Major global law firm Morgan Lewis published an article noting that as of June 2026, all 50 states had introduced some form of Right to Repair. However, many variances in the laws exist regarding:

• Coverage
• Enforcement mechanisms
• Exemptions
• Scope

Despite Right to Repair’s introduction in all 50 states, only a handful have successfully passed and currently enact comprehensive statutes. Massachusetts is the most notable in this case, as it’s the first state to have passed a vehicle Right to Repair measure. 

BallotPedia.org explains that Massachusetts’ Right to Repair Initiative, also called “Question 1,” passed in 2012 after winning 87.7% of the vote. It requires automakers to let owners and independent repair centers in the state have access to the same repair-related information they provide dealers and authorized repair facilities. 

How Does One’s Right to Repair Determine Whether You Can Fix What You Own? 

If you live in a state currently enacting a Right to Repair law, it means you have the freedom to fix something you own by yourself or take it to an independent repair shop of your choice. The exact coverage depends on your state’s current laws, but it can include the following.

Right to Open Your Things and Have Access to Repair Needs

The right to open your things, such as consumer electronics, is a key aspect of the Right to Repair legislation and movement. Having access to diagnostic, repair, and service documentation and information (e.g., tools, parts, and manuals) is another.  

An excellent example is the law New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in December 2022: The Digital Fair Repair Act. The law made NY the first state to guarantee consumers’ right to repair, protecting them from repair restrictions. 

With this law in place, consumers can open their own electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They will also have access to manuals, diagrams, parts, and any other “repair essentials” that OEMs provide their authorized or certified repair providers and servicers.  

Other states, such as Colorado, also have Right to Repair legislation that applies to heavy agricultural machinery or equipment. As more states introduce, enact, and expand similar laws, there is growing hope among owners and independent mechanics that they’ll have access to more information, such as John Deere and Caterpillar repair manuals and diagrams.

Right to Choose Where You Bring Your Items for Repairs 

Right to Repair also determines whether you have to bring things you own for repairs or scheduled equipment maintenance to specific OEM-authorized facilities. If you live somewhere with a Right to Repair law that covers this topic, then you may have more freedom of choice. 

You can choose an OEM-authorized servicer if that’s what you want. Alternatively, you can bring your device or equipment to an independent repair center. In many instances, independent servicers can save consumers money or cut small business expenses for equipment owners, as they often charge less. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Right to Repair Laws Benefit People?

Right to Repair laws can benefit consumers by giving them the freedom of choice regarding things they purchase and own. They can also help lower repair expenses, as they often allow consumers to choose small, independent businesses (e.g., repair technicians and mechanics), which typically charge less than OEM-authorized facilities, for repairs.

Right to Repair laws can also help reduce downtime for equipment owners. Farmers, for instance, can get back to running their farms quicker if they can choose whichever repair facility they want rather than having to adhere to OEM restrictions.

Are Companies Against the Right to Repair? 

Many companies, particularly OEMs, are against the Right to Repair, as it can reduce their profits.

Manufacturers, if allowed to control repairs, can make more money because they can charge higher prices for what they deem “official” or “authorized” services. They can also restrict access to repair and spare parts, increasing the demand for a limited supply, which then leads to higher prices.

Companies may also oppose Right to Repair laws because doing so gives them another avenue for profit: forcing frustrated consumers to just buy a new appliance, device, or equipment rather than continue dealing with the hassle of fixing the one they already own. 

Fixing What You Own Should Be Your Right

Remember: Right to Repair is more than just an advocacy; it’s also a consumer right, considering that when you buy something with your own money, you should have the freedom to fix and maintain it. You shouldn’t face restrictions that force you to go to expensive, so-called “authorized service providers.” 

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