Utah Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

This document explains Utah’s auto repair consumer protection rules in plain English. Utah does not have a single “Auto Repair Act,” but binding requirements exist primarily under Utah Administrative Code R152-11-5 and the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act. If you run a repair shop or hire one in Utah, everything essential is summarized below.

Core Legal Framework

• Utah Admin. Code R152-11-5 (Repairs and Services) • Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act (general enforcement) • Common-law repairman’s lien principles

What the Law Requires (Decoded)

1. Estimates & Authorization (Before Work Begins)

• A repair shop must obtain express authorization before performing any repair or service. • Before authorization, the shop must disclose: – What work will be done – The estimated charge – The reasonably expected completion date

Dollar threshold: • If the total estimated cost exceeds $50, the customer must receive a copy of their authorization no later than the time the initial bill is presented.

Form of authorization: • May be written or other express consent, but documentation must exist and be producible.

2. Over‑Estimate & Additional Repairs

• Utah does not set a fixed percentage cap for going over an estimate. • However, additional authorization is required when unforeseen repairs increase the price by 10% or more (excluding tax) over the original estimate. • Charging for work beyond this without approval is treated as a deceptive practice.

If state law is silent: State law does not specify a strict maximum over‑estimate percentage; general consumer protection and contract law apply.

3. Disclosure Timing

• All disclosures (scope, estimate, completion date) must occur before work begins. • Itemized billing and authorization documentation must be provided at or before billing.

4. Itemized Invoice Requirements

A customer is entitled to a written, itemized receipt that includes: • Description of work performed • Identification of parts used (new, used, rebuilt, aftermarket) • Cost of parts • Labor rate and hours (or flat rate disclosure) • Identification of the repair facility or mechanic

5. Parts Return & Inspection Rights

• Customers have the right to inspect replaced parts upon request. • Shops must give written notice before repairs that replaced parts may be inspected.

Exceptions (inspection not required if): • Parts are returned under warranty • Parts are to be rebuilt or sold by the supplier (with disclosure) • Parts are impractical to return due to size/weight • Customer waives inspection rights in writing

If state law is silent: State law does not require automatic return of parts; inspection is required only upon request.

6. Record Retention

• Repair shops must retain repair orders, authorizations, and invoices. • While not explicitly stated in the rule text, enforcement guidance supports a minimum of 3 years.

If state law is silent: State law does not specify an exact retention period; regulators rely on consumer protection enforcement standards.

7. Holding the Vehicle (Repairman’s Lien)

• Utah recognizes a repairman’s possessory lien. • A shop may lawfully retain possession of a vehicle until payment for authorized work is made. • Improper or unauthorized charges may undermine lien enforcement.

8. Enforcement & Consequences

Violations may result in: • Charges being void or unenforceable • Consumer restitution • Administrative penalties • Civil lawsuits under the Consumer Sales Practices Act • Complaints and investigations by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection

What This Means for Consumers

• You must approve repairs before they happen. • You cannot be charged for major cost increases (10%+) without consent. • You are entitled to clear, itemized billing. • You may inspect replaced parts if you ask. • Unauthorized charges can be disputed and reported.

What This Means for Repair Shops

• Always obtain and document express authorization before work. • Get additional approval for any increase of 10% or more. • Provide itemized invoices and disclose parts usage. • Inform customers of parts inspection rights. • Keep repair records for multiple years. • Failure to comply can void charges and trigger enforcement actions.

Bottom Line

Utah repair law focuses on authorization, transparency, and documentation. Shops that follow written approval and disclosure rules are protected; those that do not risk losing payment and facing penalties. Consumers who understand these rules can effectively prevent or challenge improper repair charges.