The Motor Vehicle Information Scheme is mandatory under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
It makes motor vehicle service and repair information available to all Australian repairers and registered training organisations. They can buy at a price that doesn’t exceed the fair market value.
Find information for industry on the scheme including the responsibilities of data providers and the benefits to repairers and registered training organisations.
The scheme applies to passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 2002.
It doesn’t apply to 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles, farm, construction or heavy vehicles, motor homes or buses.
The scheme is the first right to repair legislation in Australia.
It was introduced following recommendations in the ACCC’s 2017 market study into the new car retailing industry.
It found car manufacturers could limit independent repairers access to technical information. They could steer consumers to use authorised dealers or preferred repairer networks.
The scheme promotes competition in the Australian motor vehicle service and repair market. It improves independent repairers access to technical information, allowing them to compete fairly.
Under the scheme, Australian motor vehicle repairers and registered training organisations can access car service and repair information. This includes:
Consumers who repair their own vehicles as a hobby cannot access service and repair information under this scheme. However, car manufacturers are not prevented from sharing information with consumers.
Consumers have more choice, value and convenience in the service and repair of their cars.
Consumers can choose an independent repairer to service and repair their vehicle. It's mandatory for car manufacturers to make service and repair information available.
Consumer rights and guarantees aren't affected by the scheme. Motorists are protected under Australian Consumer Law.
The Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) is a joint industry-led body. It has been appointed by the Government as the scheme adviser.
The Scheme Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the scheme. This includes:
Contact the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority for all operational enquires.
We enforce the scheme by:
Data providers that fail to meet their responsibilities face significant penalties.
A court will determine the appropriate penalty amount based on individual circumstances.
The ACCC can also issue infringement notices.
See fines and penalties for motor vehicle information scheme details.
If a dispute arises between a data provider and a repairer or registered training organisation, both parties are encouraged to resolve the dispute informally. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, either party can appoint a mediator to try and resolve the dispute.
If both businesses can’t agree on a mediator, the Scheme Adviser can nominate a mediator to start the dispute resolution process.
Attending mediation is mandatory and failure to attend mediation can attract penalties.
Contact the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority about dispute resolution.
Motor vehicle information scheme - information for industry
Motor vehicle sales and repairs - an industry guide to the Australian Consumer Law
Competition and Consumer (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Rules 2021
ACCC welcomes new law on motor vehicle service and repair information (June 2021) (Media release)