Louisiana Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Governing Authority

·       Louisiana Revised Statutes

·       Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission (LMVC) regulations

·       General Louisiana consumer protection law

1. Written Estimates

Dollar Threshold

·       $125 threshold: Consumers have the right to request a written estimate when repair costs are expected to exceed $125.

·       The estimate is not automatic; it must be requested by the customer.

Estimate Fees

·       Shops may charge for preparing an estimate (including diagnostics), but must disclose the fee in advance.

Disclosure Timing

·       The shop must inform customers of their right to request a written estimate before work begins.

2. Authorization & Over‑Estimate Rules

Authorization Requirement

·       If a written estimate is provided, the shop must obtain customer authorization before exceeding the estimate.

Over‑Estimate Tolerance

·       LMVC rules historically allow actual charges to exceed the estimate by up to 25% without further approval.

·       Beyond ~25%, customer consent is required before additional work is performed.

Note: The 25% rule comes from administrative regulation, not a statute. Enforcement typically occurs through LMVC disciplinary authority.

Form of Authorization

·       State law does not specify whether authorization must be written or oral.

·       General contract principles apply; best practice is written or recorded approval.

3. Invoices & Post‑Repair Disclosure

After work is completed, the shop must provide an itemized invoice including: – Labor performed – Parts installed – Materials used – Labor charges – Identity of the repairman or mechanic

4. Parts Disclosure & Return

Non‑OEM / Aftermarket Parts

·       Written estimates must clearly disclose use of non‑OEM crash parts.

·       A disclosure must state that warranties are provided by the parts manufacturer, not the vehicle manufacturer.

Return of Old Parts

·       State law does not require automatic return of replaced parts.

·       Customers should request old parts before repairs begin.

·       If the law is silent, general consumer protection statutes apply.

5. Record Retention

·       State law does not specify a mandatory record‑retention period for repair estimates or invoices for consumer access.

·       Shops must comply with any LMVC or general business record requirements.

6. Mechanic’s Lien & Vehicle Possession

Mechanic’s Privilege (Lien)

·       Repair shops have a statutory lien on vehicles for unpaid labor, parts, and materials.

·       The lien generally lasts while the shop retains possession, or up to 120 days after release.

Vehicle Sale for Nonpayment

·       If repair or storage charges remain unpaid, a shop may sell the vehicle after required notice and waiting periods (typically 45 days).

7. Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Enforcement

·       The Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission may impose:

o   Fines

o   License suspension or revocation

o   Administrative sanctions

Civil Remedies

·       Unauthorized repairs may be challenged in court.

·       Consumers typically still owe the reasonable value of authorized work performed.

What This Means for Consumers

·       Request a written estimate for repairs expected over $125.

·       Do not assume the shop can exceed the estimate without permission.

·       Ask in advance for old parts if you want them returned.

·       Review invoices carefully for itemization and part disclosures.

·       If disputes arise, LMVC complaints and small‑claims court are available.

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Post or provide notice of customers’ right to a written estimate.

·       Disclose estimate fees before preparing estimates.

·       Obtain authorization before exceeding estimates (especially beyond ~25%).

·       Clearly disclose non‑OEM parts.

·       Provide detailed invoices and maintain documentation.

·       Failure to comply can result in license discipline and civil exposure.

This document is intended as a practical, plain‑English decoding of Louisiana auto repair law, not legal advice.