WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday signed a memorandum supporting Americans’ ability to repair their own vehicles, extending the administration’s broader push to strengthen so-called right-to-repair policies across multiple industries.
The memorandum builds on a similar directive Trump signed earlier this year covering agricultural equipment and other non-road machinery, with the White House arguing that consumers should have greater freedom to maintain and repair products they own.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Trump said the action was prompted by reports that some Americans had faced legal obstacles or potential penalties for repairing their own vehicles.
“It’s really common sense,” Trump said, adding that many vehicle owners are capable of repairing their own cars without relying on professional mechanics.
Although Americans are generally permitted to repair their own vehicles, federal law prohibits tampering with emissions-control systems. In addition, automakers have historically limited independent repair shops’ access to proprietary diagnostic software, repair manuals and specialized tools needed to service increasingly complex vehicles.
Right-to-repair advocates argue those restrictions reduce competition, increase repair costs and leave consumers with fewer choices when seeking maintenance or replacement parts. They have pushed for broader access to repair information, particularly as vehicles become more dependent on software and electronic systems.
Automakers, however, have maintained that restrictions remain necessary to protect vehicle safety, cybersecurity and compliance with federal emissions regulations. Manufacturers have argued that unrestricted access to sensitive software could create security vulnerabilities or enable modifications that violate environmental standards.
The memorandum does not immediately change existing federal law but signals continued support from the administration for expanding consumer access to repair resources. It also places additional attention on the ongoing debate between manufacturers, independent repair businesses and consumer advocacy groups over who should control access to modern vehicle technology.
The issue has gained prominence in recent years as lawmakers, regulators and industry groups continue weighing how to balance consumer rights with safety, environmental and cybersecurity concerns in an increasingly software-driven automotive market.
