North Carolina Laws on Auto Repairs

When your vehicle requires repairs, it’s important to know your rights as a consumer. North Carolina has specific safety laws governing auto repairs to protect consumers from fraud, overcharging, and substandard work. These laws ensure that auto repair shops provide transparent services, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. Whether you’re dealing with routine maintenance or major repairs, understanding these laws can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential disputes.

Here’s what you need to know about North Carolina’s auto repair laws.

North Carolina’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act

North Carolina’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act (NCGS § 20-354) governs the auto repair industry and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and repair facilities. The law requires auto repair shops to follow certain procedures to ensure transparency, including providing written estimates and obtaining authorization before performing repairs.

Key Provisions of the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act

1. Written Estimates

One of the core protections provided by the Motor Vehicle Repair Act is the requirement for repair shops to provide a written estimate for all repair work that will exceed $350. This estimate must include:

• A detailed description of the parts needed.
• The expected labor costs.
• The total estimated price for the repairs.
• NCGS § 20-354.2: "Before beginning any repairs on a motor vehicle that will cost in excess of three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00), the motor vehicle repair shop shall give the customer a written estimate for the cost of the repairs."

The estimate ensures that consumers know what to expect and have the opportunity to approve or decline the repair before work begins.

2. Authorization of Repairs

Once the estimate is provided, the repair shop must obtain your explicit approval before beginning any work. This is known as authorization of repairs, and it can be given in writing or verbally. However, if the authorization is given over the phone, the repair shop must document the conversation and get confirmation that you agree to the repairs.

• NCGS § 20-354.3: "A motor vehicle repair shop shall not charge for repairs without obtaining authorization from the customer."

Without your authorization, the repair shop is not allowed to perform any work or charge you for it. This helps prevent situations where unexpected work is done, and the customer is left with a larger bill than anticipated.

3. Notification of Additional Work

If, during the course of repairs, the mechanic discovers additional issues that were not included in the initial estimate, they must contact you to get authorization for additional repairs. The shop cannot proceed with extra work without your approval, ensuring that you are always aware of the scope and cost of the repairs.

• NCGS § 20-354.4: "If the motor vehicle repair shop determines that additional repairs are needed beyond what was agreed upon, the shop must notify the customer and obtain authorization to proceed."

This ensures that you have control over the total cost and scope of the repairs.

Parts Disclosure and Use of Aftermarket Parts

North Carolina law also requires auto repair shops to disclose the type of parts being used in your vehicle. Repair shops must inform you if they are using aftermarket or reconditioned parts instead of new, original manufacturer parts. This disclosure must be made in the estimate, giving you the opportunity to approve or reject the use of certain parts.

• NCGS § 20-354.5: "The motor vehicle repair shop shall identify whether parts are new, used, or aftermarket."

This provision is important because aftermarket or reconditioned parts may be less expensive but could differ in quality or warranty compared to original parts from the manufacturer.

Repair Warranties and Guarantees

While North Carolina law does not require auto repair shops to provide a warranty, many repair shops offer their own warranties on parts and labor. It’s important to ask about any guarantees or warranties when you are getting your estimate. If a warranty is offered, make sure it is clearly written and outlines what is covered, for how long, and under what conditions repairs can be redone at no additional charge.

Final Invoice and Charges

When the repairs are complete, North Carolina law requires that the repair shop provide a final invoice that details all work performed, parts used, and costs incurred. The final invoice should match the written estimate unless additional repairs were authorized and agreed upon.

• NCGS § 20-354.6: "The motor vehicle repair shop shall provide an itemized final invoice listing all parts supplied and labor performed, and the price charged for each."

The shop cannot charge you more than the agreed-upon price unless you have authorized additional repairs. If you believe you were overcharged or billed for unauthorized work, you have the right to dispute the charges.

Consumer Protection from Unfair Practices

The North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA) protects consumers from fraudulent or unfair business practices, including in the auto repair industry. Under this law, repair shops that engage in deceptive practices, such as charging for unauthorized work or using substandard parts without disclosing it, can be held liable.

• NCGS § 75-1.1: "Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce are declared unlawful."

If a repair shop violates your rights under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act or engages in unfair practices, you can file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or pursue legal action for damages.

What to Do if You Have a Dispute with a Repair Shop

If you believe an auto repair shop has violated North Carolina’s repair laws, you have several options for resolving the issue:

1. Talk to the Repair Shop

In many cases, disputes can be resolved by discussing the issue with the repair shop’s management. Be prepared with all documentation, including your estimate, invoices, and any records of communication regarding the repairs.

2. File a Complaint with the Attorney General

If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the repair shop, you can file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. The division investigates complaints about auto repair fraud, overcharging, and failure to provide agreed-upon services.

3. Consider Small Claims Court

For monetary disputes under $10,000, you may consider filing a claim in small claims court. Small claims court allows consumers to seek compensation for unauthorized repairs, overcharges, or damages caused by faulty workmanship without needing a lawyer.

4. Consult an Attorney

If the dispute involves a significant amount of money or if the repair shop engaged in deceptive practices, you may want to consult an attorney who specializes in consumer protection or auto repair law. An attorney can help you recover damages and hold the repair shop accountable under the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

How The Law Offices of John M. McCabe Can Help

At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers, including those dealing with disputes related to auto repairs. If you’ve been overcharged, received unauthorized repairs, or been the victim of auto repair fraud, we can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your losses.

Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you understand your rights under North Carolina law and provide guidance on how to proceed. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.