Compliance is essential for protecting consumers and dealerships amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. The FTC and CFPB are targeting smaller dealers, making understanding key regulations crucial. Knowledge of rules like the Used Car Rule is vital for safeguarding your business.

“Compliance” is not just a buzz word used by a cottage industry trying to grab their share of your hard-earned profits, or an industry association trying to scare you into classes and operational reviews.
Yes, we were all extremely relieved when the U.S Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the “CARS (Combatting Auto Retail Scams) Rule” on January 27th. Though that judgement took quite a bit of the additional overreach out of the equation – make no mistake, the FTC and CFPB are still pursuing investigations and enforcement actions. The more recent focus has appeared to have been on smaller dealerships with less perceived knowledge of how compliance affects them and less ability to fight back when fines are levied.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Fraud Protection Bureau (CFPB) were created in the best spirit and intent – to protect consumers. We all know there are predators in our industry. The honest dealers who want to do things right want them censured as much as the Federal agencies created to do so.
Recent administrations have unfortunately weaponized these well-intentioned agencies against the small businesses that this country relies on - YOU. At this point, though we are all hopeful for a burgeoning economic resurgence, we need to remain diligent to protect not just the interests of the small independent dealership, but of the over 12MM consumers out there who work hard and need the goods and services you offer.
There are many agencies of varying expense that exist to help educate your staff and review your current compliance for items that need to be addressed – one of the best is Ignite Consulting Partners, with whom MidAtlantic IADA has a close working relationship.
In your own State (or Commonwealth), agencies have been granted similar Ruleauditing powers to protect consumers from predators. Sadly, years of misrepresentation have these local agencies equally on guard when it comes to consumer protection. Each of these agencies has their own standards by which to audit – please familiarize yourself with those standards and those who can help you maintain those standards.
In years past, good dealers “doing right” by the customer had nothing to worry about with compliance – this is no longer the case. You can absolutely lose everything for simply not knowing what you don’t know.
Please take steps to protect yourself, your employees and your legacy. We’re here to help.
If you are not familiar with how the following FTC & CFPB Rules affect your daily business, please reach out for more information and how we can help protect your investment:
Compliance Review by MidAtlantic IADA: ONSITE PennDOT Compliance Review
CALL (717) 238-9002
Industry Affiliate
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Note: We strictly enforce a no suitcasing rule at our convention.
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Please view the example letters to representatives and senators below. Use the Copy to Clipboard function to easily compose and send the letters. You may also personalize the letters once copied and pasted into your desired media (letter, email, etc.).
Dear Representative ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___ and your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and currently has 30 cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator ___:
As an independent automobile dealer from the state of ___, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor S. 1379, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Howley (R-MO) and currently has six cosponsors.
As the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance continues to rise, the REPAIR Act comes at a critical moment. This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and ensures independent repair shops can access essential repair data, compatible aftermarket parts, training, and diagnostic tools. For independent automobile dealers like me, this means being able to efficiently recondition vehicles before sale and provide affordable, ongoing repairs throughout a vehicle's life. These efficiencies translate into real savings for our customers, many of whom are working-class individuals and families who rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily responsibilities. This is especially true for our rural customers, who deserve access to timely, affordable repairs close to home.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex and dependent on data. Yet for too long, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have controlled access to this critical information, selectively deciding who can use it and under what conditions. This control extends to aftermarket parts, often forcing consumers to seek repairs only at authorized dealerships. These practices reduce consumer choice, stifle competition, and undermine the free-market principles that support small businesses and local economies across the state of ___.
Your constituents and my customers deserve the freedom to choose where and by whom their vehicles are repaired. Equal access to tools and information ensures safe, cost-effective, and accessible repairs. It fosters competition, lowers prices, and strengthens small businesses like mine. The REPAIR Act strikes the right balance between protecting innovation, ensuring safety, and upholding consumer rights.
This important legislation is critical to the livelihoods of independent automobile dealers across the state of ___ and urge you to consider cosponsoring it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,