Maryland House Bill HB1460

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/22
• Refer: 2/24/22

Caption

Consumer Protection - Automotive Glass Repair or Replacement - Advanced Driver Assistance System Recalibration

Impact

The bill mandates specific obligations for automotive repair facilities, including the requirement to inform customers when recalibration of an advanced driver assistance system is necessary and provide an itemized description of the repair work. This is intended to protect consumers from unexpected costs and ensure they understand the scope of the repairs being made. Furthermore, the bill specifies that insurers cannot be charged more than a fair and competitive price for such recalibration services, thereby safeguarding both consumers and insurance companies from inflated repair costs.

Summary

House Bill 1460 focuses on consumer protection in the context of automotive glass repair or replacement for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure that consumers are informed about the recalibration of these systems after any glass repair or replacement is performed. This bill establishes guidelines for automotive repair facilities to follow, promoting transparency and clarity in communication with customers regarding the potential necessity and costs involved in recalibrating these advanced systems.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect consumer interests, it may also raise concerns regarding the cost implications for automotive repair facilities. Critics might argue that the imposition of such regulatory requirements could lead to increased operational burdens for these businesses, particularly smaller repair shops that may already be operating on thin profit margins. Moreover, there may be debates surrounding the definitions of 'fair and competitive pricing' and how these will be enforced, which could lead to further discussions on the balance between consumer protection and the operational freedom of repair facilities.