Shop Press

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Using voltage to locate electrical faults

Locating the cause of an electrical fault can be a challenge even for the most experienced professional. I’m not referring to open circuits or even short circuits. These are relatively easy to find. In either case, the component, or load, won’t work. But the most...

How do you handle billing shop supplies?

When I first began writing service at an indie auto repair shop, one line item on the bill was “shop supplies.” We tacked on some percentage of the bill, capping at $19.88. Shows you how long ago that was! Customers would ask about it, and many were angry about the...

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. In fact, I actually purchased two so I could try out the version with a high-voltage lead.If you’ve met my fellow Shop Press contrib Pete, seen his videos, taken his classes, or read his articles, you’ll know...

Making custom coiled wire is easier than you think (VIDEO)

Description Coiled wire is a smart idea for adding service loops or mechanical strain relief on automotive electrical jobs or other projects. In three easy steps, you can make your own coiled wire sections for all kinds of applications.

Choosing the right brake fluid

You know topping off brake fluid is generally a no-no, but when a customer’s brake fluid needs to be flushed completely, knowing what to put in the reservoir isn’t as clear-cut as it once was. The master cylinder cap may say the vehicle uses DOT 4 brake fluid, but are...

Should a repair shop be liable for fixing a vehicle involved in a hit and run?

by | Apr 12, 2022

In 2016, 8-year-old Jayanna Powell was killed by a car while walking home from school. The driver fled, and had an accomplice take his damaged Nissan Altima to a body shop in the next county. The shop owner called the police after seeing on TV that they were looking for the vehicle, leading to the driver’s arrest and conviction.

That inspired Pennsylvania lawmakers to recently introduce a bill that would create a system for notifying repair shops of vehicles involved in a serious hit and run accident. If the shop owner gets the notification and doesn’t report a vehicle, they would then be committing a misdemeanor that carries a fine and/or jail time.

“I’ve seen it in my last law enforcement career where someone gets involved in an illegal hit and run and they try to go to a body shop and do a quick cash deal,” a Pennyslvania lawmaker and former U.S. marshal told The Patriot-News. “This kind of holds those body shops to account and I think ultimately will be a very good thing for our law enforcement community.”

The bill doesn’t say exactly how the system would work, but directs the state’s Department of Transportation to develop it. However, some organizations voiced concern about the need to create another alert system like AMBER Alerts, and whether it’s fair to make shop owners responsible. The executive director for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Pennsylvania – an association representing collision, towing and repair shops – pointed out that owners aren’t always present at their shop, but could be held liable if one of their employees fixes a vehicle without checking the system.

The bill is now set to be considered by the full Pennsylvania Senate. You can learn more and check for updates here.

The articles and other content contained on this site may contain links to third party websites. By clicking them, you consent to Dorman’s Website Use Agreement.

Related Articles

Shop Press Comment Policy

Participation in this forum is subject to Dorman’s Website Terms & Conditions. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline feedback
View all comments

Get Articles In Your Inbox

Subscribe to receive a monthly email summary of our latest Shop Press stories.

Shop Press

I agree to the above privacy statement and T&Cs

Thanks! You're now subscribed.