What Block Exemption Regulations Mean to Motorists

One of the most significant and modern things to have revolutionised the car service industry, was a piece of legislation passed by the European Union back in 2002. The name of the legislation was the ‘Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002′. This new law vitally altered the method in which cars were allowed to be serviced or repaired and subsequently gave motorists more freedom in terms of choice than had previously existed.

The passing of the Block Exemption Regulations was a big feat for the independent car servicing sector. It finally meant that the garages that were not owned by the vehicle manufacturers were capable of carrying out work on cars without negating the owner’s warranty – as was the case prior to the Block Exemption Regulations being put in place.

Previous to the Block Exemption regulations being formed, the mechanical information required for garages to complete work on vehicles, without the warranty being affected, was not shared by the producer of the vehicle. The only place that could repair or maintain the vehicles were the garages that were either owned, or affiliated with the vehicle manufacturer – basically those with access to the technical information. It was them and them alone that could service a car that was still under warranty.

Understandably, with this kind of system in place the car manufacturers were the only ones that could make money on car servicing for cars still under warranty. That was why that the Block Exemption Regulations came about – to protect free competition in the parts, service and repair sector.

The establishment of the Block Exemption Regulations finally meant that car owners were able to choose who they wanted to service their vehicle, as the new laws required the car manufacturers to give out the necessary technical information to the independent market.

Eight years on and this is still very true. Car owners can use any garage of their liking to service their car without the fear that it will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty (subject to certain conditions). This considerable choice has basically benefited the car owners as it has created a competitive market and so prices have lowered.

As long as the Block Exemption Regulations are a part of the legal system – the vehicle manufacturers wish for a return to the old ways- you can relax in the knowledge that whoever you decide to take your car to for a service – even basic maintenance like an oil change or the mounting of new car tyres – or to go through its MOT test the warranty will stay intact.

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