State-by-state guide
RV repair rights by state: written estimates, overage limits and shop registration
We checked all 50 states and DC for a consumer auto repair law. 25 states and DC give you a right to an estimate (some only if you ask) and limit how far the bill can go over it without your consent. 3 more have partial rules, and 22 have no repair-specific law we could find. Only a handful say anything about motorhomes, and Michigan and Oregon carve RV living quarters or motor homes out.
By the RV Repair Centers research desk · Published October 25, 2026
Key findings
- 25 states and DC have estimate and overage rules. California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New York, Washington and others give you a right to an estimate (in some only if you ask) and cap overages without your OK.
- The overage cushion runs from zero to 25%. California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island allow no overage without consent; Massachusetts allows $10; Michigan 10% or $50, whichever is less; Tennessee 25%.
- 22 states have no repair-specific law we could find, including Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Missouri. There, general deceptive-practices law is what's left.
- Few laws mention RVs. Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin name motorized RVs or motor homes as covered. Michigan excludes the "dwelling or sleeping portions" of motor homes and trailers, and Oregon's estimate law excludes motor homes outright.
- Shop licensing is the exception. Only California, Connecticut, DC, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada and New York require general repair shops to register or hold a license statewide.
Which states protect you at the repair counter
An auto repair consumer law usually does three things: it gives you a right to a written estimate, it limits how far the final bill can run over that estimate without your consent, and it lets you ask for your old parts back. Some states add shop registration. The map sorts every state by how much of that it has.
26jurisdictions with estimate and overage rules (incl. DC)
3states with partial rules
22states with no repair law found
Does the law cover your RV?
Most repair laws borrow the state's definition of "motor vehicle", and most of those definitions never say "recreational vehicle". A motorhome usually fits a definition built on "self-propelled" vehicles, but a travel trailer often does not. A few laws are explicit, and two cut RVs out.
- Expressly covered: Florida and North Carolina name "recreational vehicle" but exclude travel trailers and trailer coaches without their own power. Ohio's definition includes "mobile homes and recreational vehicles". Wisconsin covers motor homes even above 16,000 lb. Nevada names motor homes and RVs in its garage registration definitions; we could not confirm that definition governs its estimate rules.
- Chassis yes, coach no: Michigan's act covers trailers and self-propelled vehicles but not "the dwelling or sleeping portions of a motor home, trailer, or any recreational vehicle" that aren't connected to the drive mechanism. A roof, fridge or slide-out job may fall outside it.
- Excluded: Oregon's estimate law defines a motor vehicle as a self-propelled device "other than a motor home".
- Weight limits: Iowa excludes vehicles rated over 12,000 lb and Colorado excludes trucks over 8,500 lb, which can leave out larger motorhomes depending on how they are titled.
- Trailers named: New York, Virginia, DC, Connecticut and Massachusetts include trailers or vehicles that are drawn or towed.
The full table
| Alabama | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Alaska | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | AS 45.50.471 |
| Arizona | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Arkansas | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| California | Automotive Repair Act, Bus. & Prof. Code §9880 et seq. | Yes, written estimate before any job (some posted-price maintenance exempt) (§9884.9) | None without oral or written consent (§9884.9) | Yes, if requested when the work order is taken; warranty parts shown only (§9884.10) | Yes, register with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (§9884) | "Motor vehicle" means a passenger vehicle required to be registered with the DMV, and all motorcycles (§9880.1). RVs not mentioned. | Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §9884.9 |
| Colorado | Motor Vehicle Repair Act, C.R.S. §42-9-101 to 42-9-113 | Yes, written estimate before any repair unless the customer signs a waiver (§42-9-104) | 10% or $25, whichever is less (§42-9-106) | Yes, if requested at the time of consent (§42-9-104) | None in the Act | Every self-propelled vehicle intended primarily for the public highways; excludes trucks over 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight. Motor homes not mentioned; trailers are not self-propelled. | C.R.S. §42-9-104 |
| Connecticut | Conn. Gen. Stat. §§14-65e to 14-65m; repairer license §14-52 | Yes, written authorization with a maximum-cost estimate before any repair; waivable in writing with a dollar cap (§14-65f, 14-65g) | None without oral or written consent (§14-65f) | Yes, if requested at authorization (§14-65h) | Yes, DMV repairer's license and $25,000 bond (§14-52) | "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle propelled or drawn by any nonmuscular power (§14-1). The same chapter defines a camper as a motor vehicle with temporary living quarters. | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 246 |
| Delaware | Auto Repair Fraud Prevention, 6 Del. C. §§4901A-4909A | Yes, written estimate before any repair unless waived (§4904A) | 20% or $50, whichever is less (§4904A) | Yes, shop must offer to return replaced parts, with exceptions (§4906A) | None in the chapter | Uses the vehicle code: every self-propelled vehicle, with listed exceptions. RVs not mentioned; trailers are not self-propelled. | 6 Del. C. ch. 49A |
| District of Columbia | 16 DCMR ch. 6 (Repair of Consumer Goods) | Yes, signed written estimate before any repair unless waived (§§633, 634) | 20% if repairs cost $300 or less; 10% if over $300 (§633.3) | Yes, returned unless the customer waives, with exceptions (§636) | Yes, repair dealer license for the motor vehicle category (§602) | Passenger vehicles intended primarily for transportation, including trailers intended primarily for attachment to passenger vehicles (§611.1). Motor homes not named. | 16 DCMR ch. 6 |
| Florida | Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Fla. Stat. §§559.901-559.9221 | Yes, written estimate if the repair will exceed $150, unless waived in writing (§559.905) | $10 or 10%, whichever is greater, up to $50 (§559.909) | Yes, on request at authorization (§559.909) | Yes, register with FDACS (§559.904) | Includes any automobile, truck, bus, recreational vehicle, motorcycle or other motor-powered vehicle; excludes trailers, mobile homes, travel trailers and trailer coaches without independent motive power (§559.903). Motorized RVs covered; towables excluded. | Fla. Stat. §559.909 |
| Georgia | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Hawaii | Motor Vehicle Repair Industry, HRS ch. 437B | Yes, written estimate before the job unless waived in writing (§437B-15) | 15% on estimates under $100; 10% on estimates over $100 (§437B-15) | Yes, on request when the work order is taken (§437B-17) | Yes, repair dealers and mechanics licensed by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board (§437B-7) | "Motor vehicle" means any passenger car, truck, truck tractor, motorcycle or motor scooter as defined in §286-2 (§437B-1). RVs not mentioned. | HRS §437B-15 |
| Idaho | Idaho Rules of Consumer Protection, IDAPA 04.02.01 (AG rules on repairs of goods) | No mandatory written estimate; estimates may not be unreasonably understated (Rule 120) | No fixed percentage; authorization needed if extra work would unreasonably increase the estimate (Rule 121) | Yes, return or inspection on request | No | Applies to repairs of goods generally; no vehicle definition. RVs not mentioned. | IDAPA 04.02.01 |
| Illinois | Automotive Repair Act, 815 ILCS 306 | Yes, over $100: written estimate or written price limit, unless waived (306/15) | 10% without consent (306/15) | No provision found in the Act | None in the Act | "Automotive repair" covers any vehicle, excluding commercial fleet work (306/10). RVs not mentioned. | 815 ILCS 306/15 |
| Indiana | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Iowa | Motor Vehicle Service Trade Practices Act, Iowa Code ch. 537B | Yes, if requested and the cost is expected to exceed $50 (§537B.3) | 10% of the original estimate (§537B.6) | Yes, replaced parts tendered unless disclosed as rebuilt or warranty returns (§537B.6) | No | Excludes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 12,000 lb (§537B.2). RVs not mentioned; many motorhomes are heavier than that. | Iowa Code ch. 537B |
| Kansas | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Kentucky | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Louisiana | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Maine | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Maryland | Automotive Repair Facilities, Md. Code Com. Law §§14-1001 to 14-1005 | Yes, if requested, for work over $50 (§14-1002) | 10% of the written estimate (§14-1002) | Yes, shop must offer to return replaced parts except warranty returns (§14-1004) | None found | Uses the vehicle code: any self-propelled vehicle not on rails. RVs not mentioned. | Md. Code Com. Law §14-1002 |
| Massachusetts | AG regulation 940 CMR 5.05 (Repairs and Services); M.G.L. c.100A | Yes, signed written authorization with repairs and total price, or a customer-set dollar cap (5.05(3)) | $10 over the authorized price (5.05(7)) | Yes, customer told of the right to replaced parts (5.05(4)) | Only for shops that repair damaged (collision) vehicles (c.100A) | Uses M.G.L. c.90 §1: vehicles propelled by power other than muscular power, including vehicles pulled or towed by another motor vehicle. Motor homes not named. | 940 CMR 5.05 |
| Michigan | Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, MCL 257.1301 et seq. | Yes, written itemized estimate before any repair; waiver with a dollar limit allowed (§257.1332) | 10% or $50, whichever is less (§257.1332) | Yes, returned at completion, with exceptions (§257.1333) | Yes, facilities registered with the Secretary of State; certified mechanics required | Covers self-propelled vehicles and trailers, but "does not include the dwelling or sleeping portions of a motor home, trailer, or any recreational vehicle" not connected with the drive mechanism (§257.1302a). Chassis covered; living quarters excluded. | MCL 257.1332 |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. §§325F.56-325F.66 (repair estimates) | Yes, if requested, for repairs over $100 (§325F.58) | Not more than 110% of the written estimate without a revised authorization (§325F.58) | Yes, if requested before repairs start (§325F.62) | None found | "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle which is self-propelled, used for personal, family or household purposes (§325F.56). RVs not mentioned. | Minn. Stat. §325F.58 |
| Mississippi | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Missouri | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Montana | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Nebraska | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Nevada | NRS 487.6871-487.6897 (garage repair practices); garage registration NRS 487.530-487.570 | Yes, written, if repair is more than $50 (NRS 487.6875) | Notice and consent if extra charges exceed the estimate by 20% or $100, whichever is less (NRS 487.6877) | Yes, on request, except parts that must go back to a manufacturer or distributor (NRS 487.6883) | Yes, garage operators register with the DMV (NRS 487.560) | NRS 487.550 defines "motor vehicle" to include a mini motor home, motor home and recreational vehicle (garage registration definitions). Not confirmed that this definition governs the repair-practice sections. | NRS ch. 487 |
| New Hampshire | RSA 358-D, Regulation of Motor Vehicle Repair Facilities | Yes, if requested (358-D:2) | Not more than 10% over the estimate without written consent (358-D:5) | Yes, if requested in advance; warranty and exchange parts excepted (358-D:9) | No statewide registration in RSA 358-D | "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle defined by RSA 259:60, I except motor trucks, motorcycles and motor-driven cycles. RVs not mentioned. | RSA 358-D |
| New Jersey | N.J.A.C. 13:45A-26C (Automotive Repairs), Division of Consumer Affairs | Yes, written estimate before work unless the customer signs a written waiver (26C.2(a)3) | No charge above the estimate without consent obtained before the extra work (26C.2(a)6) | Yes, if requested before work starts; exchange and warranty parts exempt (26C.2(a)7) | Not confirmed (none in 26C) | "Motor vehicle" means a passenger vehicle registered with the MVC or a comparable agency, and all motorcycles. RVs not mentioned. | N.J.A.C. 13:45A-26C.2 |
| New Mexico | 12.2.6 NMAC, Requirements for Repair of Vehicles (AG rule) | Yes, written, over $100; customer may sign a waiver (12.2.6.10) | New authorization if repairs exceed the estimate by the greater of 10% or $50 (12.2.6.10) | Customer may keep replaced parts unless the manufacturer requires return or the part is hazardous (12.2.6.12) | None in rule | "Automobile" means every vehicle which is self-propelled and subject to registration under the Motor Vehicle Code. RVs not mentioned; towables are not self-propelled. | 12.2.6 NMAC |
| New York | Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Registration Act, VTL Art. 12-A, §398 et seq. (DMV) | Yes, if requested (398-d(2)) | No charge above the estimate without consent (398-d(2)) | Yes, on timely written demand; exchange and warranty parts excepted (398-d(1)) | Yes, repair shop registration with NYS DMV | "Motor vehicle" means motor vehicles as defined by VTL §125 and trailers as defined by §156. Trailers included; motor homes not named. | N.Y. VTL §398-d |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act, G.S. 20-354 et seq. | Yes, written, over $350 (customer may waive in writing) (20-354.3) | Notice if charges will exceed the estimate by more than 10% (20-354.5) | Customer may ask to have replaced parts saved for inspection or return (20-354.3) | None in Act | Includes any automobile, truck, bus, recreational vehicle, motorcycle or other motor-powered vehicle; excludes trailers, mobile homes, travel trailers and trailer coaches without independent motive power. Motorized RVs included; travel trailers excluded. | G.S. ch. 20, art. 15B |
| North Dakota | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Ohio | Ohio Adm. Code 109:4-3-13, Motor vehicle repairs or services (AG rule) | Yes, if requested, when cost will exceed $50 (customer picks written, oral or no estimate) | Not more than 10% over the estimate without consent | Yes, replaced parts returned unless disclosed as rebuilt, sold or warranty returns | None in rule | Uses R.C. 4501.01: "motor vehicle" means any vehicle, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles, propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power. RVs expressly included. | Ohio Adm. Code 109:4-3-13 |
| Oklahoma | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Oregon | ORS 646A.480-646A.495 (vehicle repair estimates) | Yes, an estimate is required before work (646A.482) | Separate authorization if cost rises more than 10% or $200, whichever is less (646A.486) | Not confirmed | None in these sections | "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled device, other than a motor home, used to transport persons or property. Motor homes expressly excluded. | ORS 646A.480-646A.495 |
| Pennsylvania | 37 Pa. Code ch. 301 (Automotive Industry Trade Practices), §301.5 | No mandatory estimate; repairs and price must be authorized in writing, or the customer sets a cap (301.5(3)) | No charge above the authorized price or cap without further authorization | Shop must disclose the right to have replaced parts returned on request (301.5(4)) | None | "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled, motorized conveyance designed to transport not more than 15 persons. RVs not mentioned. | 37 Pa. Code §301.5 |
| Rhode Island | Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Act, R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 5-38.3 | Yes, if requested (5-38.3-3) | No charge above the estimate without consent | Yes, on timely written demand; exchange and warranty parts excepted (5-38.3-3) | Not confirmed | Every vehicle propelled by power other than muscular power, with listed exceptions (snowmobiles, farm tractors, certain towed vehicles). RVs not mentioned. | R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 5-38.3 |
| South Carolina | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| South Dakota | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code Ann. §66-19-104 | Yes, if requested, over $250 | Not more than 25% over the written estimate without consent or a good-faith attempt to reach the customer | Not confirmed | None found | Not defined in the section; RVs not mentioned. | Tenn. Code Ann. §66-19-104 |
| Texas | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Utah | Utah Admin. Code R152-11-5, Repairs and Services (general consumer repair rule) | Express authorization after charges are explained; written copy if over $50 | New authorization for unforeseen work of 10% or more of the original estimate | Written notice that replaced parts may be inspected; inspection on request | None | Covers any consumer repair; no vehicle definition. RVs not mentioned. | Utah Admin. Code R152-11-5 |
| Vermont | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Virginia | Virginia Motor Vehicle Repair Facilities Act, Va. Code §59.1-207.1 to 207.6 | Yes, if requested, where the charge may exceed $25 (59.1-207.3) | 10% over the written estimate (20% for vehicles 25+ model years old) without authorization (59.1-207.3) | Shop must offer to return replaced parts; warranty and core parts excepted (59.1-207.4) | None statewide in the Act | Every vehicle self-propelled or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle; excludes parts of a manufactured home not affecting highway use. Trailers included; motor homes not named. | Va. Code ch. 17.1, title 59.1 |
| Washington | Automotive Repair Act, RCW 46.71 | Yes, written, over $100 (46.71.025) | Max 110% of the written estimate without authorization (46.71.025) | Yes, if requested when authorizing; warranty and exchange parts excepted (46.71.021) | None repair-specific | Covers repair of motor vehicles subject to licensure under RCW 46.16A. RVs not mentioned. | RCW 46.71 |
| West Virginia | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 132, Motor Vehicle Repair (DATCP) | Over $50: shop must offer estimate alternatives or a firm quote (ATCP 132.04) | Cannot exceed the estimate without a new estimate and authorization (132.06) | Yes, if requested before repair (132.07) | None | Covers motor vehicles and any motor home required to be registered; the 16,000 lb GVWR exclusion does not apply to motor homes. Motor homes expressly included. | Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 132 |
| Wyoming | None found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No statewide rule found | No repair law to apply | State consumer office |
"None found" means we searched the state's statutes and attorney general rules and found no repair-specific law; general consumer fraud laws still apply. "Not confirmed" means we could not verify the cell from primary text. This is a summary, not legal advice. Download this table (CSV)
What to do before you sign the work order
- Ask for a written estimate, even where the law doesn't require one. In many states the right exists only if you ask, and an estimate in writing is your best evidence later.
- Write your limit on the work order. Several states (Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida) let you set a dollar cap; the shop needs your OK to go past it.
- Check off "return my old parts". Most repair laws give you this right only if you ask when you authorize the work.
- Approve extra work in writing. A text or email is better than a phone call you can't prove.
- Know what a dispute can cost. An unpaid bill can turn into a lien and storage fees. Our guide to mechanic's lien laws by state shows how fast a shop can sell, and our RV Repair Wait Index shows how long jobs tend to sit.
- Complain in the right place. Repair laws are enforced by the attorney general's consumer office in most states, and by a licensing agency in states like California (Bureau of Automotive Repair), Hawaii and New York (DMV). USA.gov lists every state consumer office.
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How we did this
- Between October 20 and 25, 2026 we searched each state's statutes and attorney general or agency rules for a consumer law on motor vehicle repair, and read the text of each one we found on the official legislature or code website. Where the official site blocked access, we read the same text on Cornell LII, FindLaw or public.law and cite that copy.
- We classified a state as having "estimate and overage rules" when it requires a written estimate or one on request and caps charges above it without new consent, and "some rules" when it has a repair rule without both. Body-shop-only and insurer rules were not counted.
- The RV column quotes or closely paraphrases each law's definition of "motor vehicle". Where a law borrows the vehicle code definition, we name it. We did not try to decide close cases, such as whether a towable RV is covered.
- "None found" is a negative search result, not proof that no law exists. Several of those states were checked by browsing statute and rule indexes. Bills introduced in Oklahoma (2025), South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia were not counted because we found no record of enactment. 4 cells say "Not confirmed".
- Local rules (for example county licensing in Virginia) are not covered. Laws change; this table is a summary, not legal advice.
Not legal advice. Laws and agency rules change. Each row links the source we read and the date we checked it; confirm with the agency or an attorney before you rely on it.
Sources
- California Bus. & Prof. Code §9884.9, accessed October 25, 2026
- Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Fla. Stat. §559.909, accessed October 25, 2026
- Michigan Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, MCL 257.1332, accessed October 25, 2026
- Oregon ORS ch. 646A, accessed October 25, 2026
- Wisconsin ATCP 132, accessed October 25, 2026
- Washington Automotive Repair Act, RCW 46.71, accessed October 25, 2026
- USA.gov, state consumer protection offices, accessed October 25, 2026. Every state row in the table links its own source.
Cite this: RV Repair Centers, "RV repair rights by state: written estimates, overage limits and shop registration," October 25, 2026, https://rvrepaircenters.com/auto-repair-estimate-laws-by-state/
Spotted an error or have newer data? Tell us and we'll check it and update the page.
Questions people ask
Does a repair shop have to give me a written estimate?
In 25 states and DC, yes, either before any work or when you ask, usually above a dollar threshold such as $50, $100 or $150. Florida requires one over $150, Washington over $100. In 22 states we found no repair law, so an estimate depends on the shop. Ask for one in writing everywhere.
How much can a repair bill go over the estimate?
It depends on the state. California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island allow no overage without consent. Common caps are 10% (Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington), 10% or $50 (Michigan), and 20% or $50 (Delaware). Tennessee allows up to 25%. Past the cap, the shop needs your OK.
Do auto repair laws cover RVs and motorhomes?
Sometimes. Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin name motorized RVs or motor homes. Michigan covers the chassis but not the living quarters, and Oregon's estimate law excludes motor homes. Most other laws don't mention RVs, and towable trailers are often outside a definition built on self-propelled vehicles.
Can I get my old parts back after a repair?
In most states with a repair law, yes, if you ask when you authorize the work. Warranty and exchange parts are usually excepted, though many states still let you inspect them. Tick the box on the work order or write it in.