A new bill introduced in the Maryland legislature would establish statewide licensing and operational requirements for businesses performing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) recalibrations.
The legislation, Senate Bill 789, would create new regulatory requirements around ADAS calibration services and establish standards tied to OEM repair procedures and position statements.
If enacted, the law would take effect Oct. 1.
Targeting ADAS calibration
The bill states that individuals and businesses performing these services must follow documented OEM repair procedures and position statements to ensure the safety features are properly restored. The bill would require businesses performing ADAS recalibrations to be licensed through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Under the proposed law, recalibrations must be performed in accordance with OEM specifications and facilities must meet regulatory standards established by the state.
The law defines an “automotive repair facility” broadly as a location where vehicle malfunctions are diagnosed or corrected for compensation, and it explicitly includes body shops.
The legislation also establishes a separate definition for motor vehicle safety glass facilities, which may perform ADAS recalibrations related to windshield replacement if properly licensed.
Consumer disclosure requirements
The bill would also impose several new consumer disclosure obligations on businesses performing glass repairs or related ADAS recalibrations.
Before replacing or repairing windshield glass on vehicles equipped with ADAS, a facility would be required to inform the customer if recalibration is required, provide written documentation stating the repair will meet or exceed OEM specifications, and notify the customer if recalibration is required but cannot be completed.
Facilities would also be prohibited from charging customers for recalibration services that were not actually performed or successfully completed.
What it could mean for collision repair shops
If enacted, shops operating in Maryland may need to ensure they maintain the appropriate licensing if they perform advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) recalibrations and follow manufacturer repair procedures or position statements when completing that work.
According to the bill, facilities performing recalibrations would be required to document that repairs meet OEM specifications. The legislation also establishes disclosure requirements for vehicles equipped with ADAS when windshield repair or replacement is performed, including notifying customers if recalibration is required.
Facilities would also be prohibited from charging customers for recalibration services that were not performed or successfully completed.
In addition, repeated violations could carry consequences. The bill states that a repair facility that commits three violations within a three-year period could face suspension or revocation of its license by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Senate Bill 789 has received its first reading and was referred to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where it is pending further consideration.
