Pennsylvania Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Pennsylvania auto repair practices are governed primarily by the Automotive Industry Trade Practices regulations (37 Pa. Code Chapter 301) enforced under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL).

These rules apply to motor vehicle repairs performed for consumers by repair facilities in Pennsylvania.

Estimates & Authorization

Authorization Requirement

• A repair shop may not perform repairs unless the customer is informed of the nature of the repairs and the total price (parts and labor) and gives authorization. • Authorization may be oral or written. • If authorization is oral, the shop must create a written record documenting who authorized the work, when, how, and what was approved.

When Full Cost Is Unknown

If exact repair costs are not known at drop-off, the shop must: • Inform the customer that costs are uncertain, AND • Choose one of the following: – Do no work until the customer approves costs – Begin work but stop and obtain approval if costs exceed a customer-set limit – Perform work without a price limit only if the hourly labor rate is disclosed in advance

Written Estimates

• Pennsylvania law does not require written estimates in all cases. • If an estimate is requested, advertised, or charged for, the estimate and any diagnostic fee must be disclosed before work begins.

Over-Estimate Approval Rules

• Pennsylvania law sets no specific dollar or percentage threshold for exceeding an estimate. • Any additional work or cost beyond what was authorized requires new customer approval before proceeding.

State law does not specify a numeric overage rule; general consumer protection statutes apply.

Disclosure Requirements (Before Work Begins)

Repair shops must disclose before authorization: • Whether replacement parts are new, used, rebuilt, or reconditioned • The customer’s right to request returned or inspected replaced parts • Any storage fees and conditions • Any estimate or diagnostic charges • Labor rates if work may proceed without a price cap

Parts Return Rules

• Customers have the right to request return of replaced parts. • If parts are sent out under warranty or core return, the shop must disclose where the parts are sent and how the customer may inspect them. • Parts return is on request, not automatic.

Time for Completion

• Repairs must be completed within 24 hours of delivery unless: – A different time is stated by the shop, or – The customer consents to a delay

Final Invoice Requirements

Upon completion, the shop must provide a written, dated invoice including: • Shop and customer identification • Vehicle description and mileage • Dates of delivery and completion • Itemized services performed • Itemized parts (description, price, totals) • Labor hours, rate, and total labor charge • Total repair cost

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Oral authorizations must be documented in writing by the shop. • State law does not specify a required record-retention duration.

General consumer protection and business record laws apply.

Enforcement & Consequences

Regulatory Enforcement

• Violations constitute unfair or deceptive practices under the UTPCPL. • Enforcement may be brought by the Pennsylvania Attorney General or local district attorneys.

Civil Liability

• Consumers may bring private lawsuits for unauthorized repairs, misrepresentation, or deceptive conduct. • Remedies may include damages, treble damages, attorney’s fees, and voided charges.

What This Means for Consumers

• You control what repairs are done and how much is spent. • Always ask for an estimate and set a maximum price. • You may request replaced parts back. • Unauthorized or improperly performed repairs may be legally challenged.

What This Means for Repair Shops

• Obtain clear authorization before all work. • Stop and reauthorize if costs or scope change. • Disclose parts type, charges, and customer rights upfront. • Maintain detailed authorization and invoice records. • Failure to comply can result in voided charges, enforcement actions, and lawsuits.

This document is intended as an executive-level summary of Pennsylvania auto repair law and does not constitute legal advice.