Texas Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Overview

Texas does not have a single, comprehensive Auto Repair Act. Instead, auto repair rights and obligations come from: – The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) – General contract law principles – Texas Property Code provisions on mechanic’s (possessory) liens

This means Texas auto repair law is principles‑based, not checklist‑based. Documentation and authorization practices matter greatly.

Key Legal Rules (Decoded)

Written Estimates

·       State law does not specify a dollar threshold requiring a written estimate.

·       Refusing to provide a written estimate may still violate the DTPA if misleading or deceptive.

·       Best practice: written estimate before any inspection, diagnosis, or repair.

Authorization Requirements

·       Written authorization is strongly recommended before:

o   Diagnostic work

o   Disassembly

o   Repairs

·       Separate authorizations for diagnosis and repair are lawful and common.

·       State law does not specify a mandatory authorization form, but lack of proof risks unenforceable charges.

Over‑Estimate / Additional Work

·       State law does not specify a percentage or dollar cap on overruns.

·       Additional repairs require consumer consent.

·       Charging beyond authorization may constitute a DTPA violation.

Disclosure Timing

·       No statute specifies exact timing.

·       Under the DTPA, disclosures must not be misleading and should occur before work is performed.

Parts Return Rules

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

·       Consumers must request parts return in advance.

·       Misrepresenting parts (new vs rebuilt) violates the DTPA.

Record Retention

·       State law does not specify a retention period for auto repair records.

·       Best practice: retain estimates, authorizations, and invoices for multiple years.

Mechanic’s / Possessory Lien

·       Repair shops have an automatic possessory lien for unpaid, authorized repairs.

·       Unauthorized work cannot support a valid lien.

·       Sale of a vehicle requires strict statutory notice procedures.

Enforcement & Remedies

For Consumers

·       DTPA claims for:

o   Unauthorized repairs

o   Misrepresentation of work or parts

o   Deceptive billing

·       Remedies may include:

o   Refunds

o   Damages

o   Attorney’s fees

·       Complaints may be filed with the Texas Attorney General.

For Repair Shops

·       DTPA violations can result in:

o   Voided or reduced charges

o   Civil liability

o   Attorney’s fees

·       Poor documentation weakens lien rights and billing enforcement.

What This Means for Consumers

·       Always demand written estimates and written authorization.

·       Authorize diagnosis and repair separately when possible.

·       Request old parts in writing.

·       Keep all paperwork.

·       Dispute unauthorized charges promptly; Texas law favors documented consent.

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Texas law gives flexibility — but only if documentation is solid.

·       Written estimates and authorizations are your primary legal protection.

·       Never perform additional work without documented consent.

·       Do not rely on lien rights for unauthorized repairs.

·       Clear communication reduces DTPA exposure.

Bottom Line

In Texas, paperwork is the law. When disputes arise, courts and regulators focus less on rigid statutory checklists and more on whether the shop’s conduct was transparent, authorized, and non‑deceptive.