Regulation Guide

Right to Repair Laws in the US: State-by-State Guide 2026

Which states have right to repair laws? Guide to consumer electronics, agricultural equipment, and medical device repair legislation across all 50 states. Regulations are tracked across all 50 states, with data from state legislatures, NCSL, and IAPP; see our methodology.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for compliance guidance.

What Is Right to Repair?

Right to repair is a legislative movement that requires manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair businesses with access to the parts, tools, manuals, and diagnostic software needed to repair their products. The movement addresses the growing practice of manufacturers restricting repairs to authorized service centers through proprietary parts, software locks, and restrictive warranty terms.

The economic stakes are significant. The independent repair industry employs hundreds of thousands of technicians in the United States. When manufacturers restrict repairs, consumers face higher costs, longer wait times, and fewer options. Rural communities are particularly affected, a farmer whose tractor needs repair may need to wait days for an authorized dealer technician to travel to their location, losing valuable time during planting or harvest season.

Key State Laws

Consumer Electronics

New York was the first state to pass a broad consumer electronics right to repair law (the Digital Fair Repair Act, signed December 2022). The law requires manufacturers of digital electronic products sold in New York to make diagnostic and repair information, parts, and tools available to independent repair providers and consumers on fair and reasonable terms.

California followed with SB 244 (signed October 2023), which requires manufacturers of electronics and appliances to provide repair parts, tools, and documentation for products sold after July 2021. The law includes product longevity requirements: manufacturers must make parts available for 3 years (products under $50) or 7 years (products over $100).

Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon have also enacted right to repair legislation with varying scope and requirements. Oregon's law is notable for including restrictions on parts pairing - the practice of using software to disable replacement parts not purchased from the manufacturer.

Agricultural Equipment

The agricultural right to repair movement gained momentum after years of frustration from farmers unable to repair their own equipment. Modern tractors and combines contain sophisticated software that manufacturers use to restrict independent repairs. Colorado passed the first agricultural right to repair law in 2023, requiring manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and firmware updates to farmers and independent repair shops.

Medical Devices and Wheelchairs

Several states have enacted or introduced legislation specifically addressing the repair of medical devices, including powered wheelchairs. These laws are particularly impactful because wheelchair users depend on their equipment for mobility, and repair delays can leave individuals unable to leave their homes for days or weeks.

Industry Opposition and Arguments

Manufacturers have raised several concerns about right to repair legislation:

  • Safety: Manufacturers argue that unqualified repairs could create safety hazards, particularly for products with lithium-ion batteries or complex electrical systems
  • Intellectual property: Sharing diagnostic software and repair documentation could expose trade secrets or proprietary technology
  • Cybersecurity: Providing access to device firmware could create security vulnerabilities that could be exploited
  • Quality control: Non-OEM replacement parts may not meet the same standards, potentially leading to product failures

Proponents counter that the auto industry has operated under similar requirements for decades (through the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and voluntary agreements) without the catastrophic consequences manufacturers predict. Independent auto repair shops perform the majority of vehicle repairs in the United States safely and effectively.

Federal Activity

The FTC issued a landmark report in May 2021 finding that manufacturer repair restrictions are "largely not justified" and pledged to enforce existing laws against unfair repair restrictions. The FTC has since taken enforcement actions against companies that illegally restricted repairs through warranty void threats. Federal right to repair legislation has been introduced in Congress but has not yet been enacted, leaving the regulatory landscape to states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states have right to repair laws?

As of 2026, several states have enacted right to repair legislation. California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon have passed laws covering consumer electronics. Additional states have enacted laws specific to agricultural equipment or medical devices. Many more states have introduced bills that are pending committee review or floor votes.

What does right to repair mean?

Right to repair laws require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the parts, tools, documentation, and diagnostic software needed to repair products. Without these laws, manufacturers can restrict repairs to authorized service centers, limiting consumer choice and often increasing repair costs.

Does right to repair apply to all products?

Most right to repair laws are limited to specific product categories. Common categories include consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets), agricultural equipment (tractors, combines), powered wheelchairs, and medical devices. Some laws exclude motor vehicles, which are covered separately by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws.

Do right to repair laws void warranties?

No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers cannot void a warranty simply because a consumer used independent repair services or non-OEM parts. State right to repair laws reinforce this protection. However, if an independent repair causes damage, the manufacturer is not obligated to cover that specific damage under warranty.

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