The move allows new cars to follow the new Massachusetts state law.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently said that automakers can share car diagnostic data with independent shops, allowing them to comply with a law recently passed by Massachusetts.
In 2020, voters in Massachusetts approved a motion that gives independent car repair shops access to digital diagnostic data, a feature in newer cars that automatically sends a car’s internal information to its automaker.
The NHTSA originally told automakers to not comply with the law, saying that allowing such open access to that information makes cars vulnerable to hackers. However, after discussions with the governing officials in Massachusetts, the NHTSA came to a compromise that allows independent shops to use localized, short-range wireless devices to access digital diagnostic data in new cars.
The Massachusetts attorney general’s office stated appreciation for “NHTSA’s clarification today that our state law is not preempted by federal law.” The office said that automakers now must comply with the state law.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Acting Administrator Ann Carlson to seek God’s guidance as she oversees the NHTSA.
- For wisdom for Secretary Buttigieg as he heads the Transportation Department.
- For Massachusetts officials as they implement the automobile digital diagnostic data.
Sources: Reuters, MotorTrend
