Pennsylvania Auto Repair Regulations (37 Pa. Code 301.5) for Mobile Mechanics: Written Authorization, 3 Options, and the 24-Hour Rule
Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are listed at the end.
Pennsylvania has no general mechanic license. Repair practices are governed by the Attorney General’s Automotive Industry Trade Practices regulations. 37 Pa. Code § 301.5 lists what counts as an unfair or deceptive practice for a repair shop (37 Pa. Code § 301.5). There’s no percentage overage allowance. The customer authorizes a price, and you stay within it or get approval.
Before you start: write it down, and give a copy
Before repairs, record and give the customer a copy, where possible, of (§ 301.5(2)):
- the customer’s name, address and phone
- the date and approximate time the vehicle was delivered for repair
- year, make and registration number
- the odometer reading
- the specific repairs requested, or a brief description of the problem
Authorization: in writing, or a posted price
You can’t charge for repairs, or a price, that wasn’t authorized in writing or posted clearly on your premises (§ 301.5(3)). For mobile techs, “posted on the premises” doesn’t really apply, so written authorization is the practical route. A signed estimate or a signed text-to-sign form works.
When the repair or cost isn’t known yet (a diagnosis), tell the customer, and let them pick one of three options (§ 301.5(3)(i)-(iii)):
- No repairs until you tell them the exact repair and total price and get oral or written authorization.
- Start repairs, but get authorization before going past a price the customer sets in advance.
- Repair the described problem with no price limit, as long as you tell them your hourly labor rate before starting.
Put the three options as tick boxes on your work order and have the customer initial one.
Disclose before getting authorization
Display these where possible, and tell the customer before getting authorization (§ 301.5(4)):
- they can have replaced parts returned, or inspect them if they go back under a warranty or rebuild arrangement
- whether each part is new, used, reconditioned or rebuilt
- any storage charges and when they apply
- the charge for an estimate or diagnosis. Your diagnostic fee and trip fee belong here
Oral authorization: keep a record
For oral approvals, record the date and time, who received it and who gave it, exactly what was authorized, and the phone number if you placed the call (§ 301.5(5)).
Timing and quality
- 24 hours: finish within 24 hours of delivery, or within the time you specified, unless the customer is told about and agrees to the delay (§ 301.5(6)). For mobile jobs that wait on parts, give a specific time on the work order.
- Redo poor work free: if the work wasn’t done “in a skilled and workmanlike manner” and the customer complains promptly, fix it promptly at no charge (§ 301.5(7)). See warranty policy.
The invoice
At completion, warranty work included, give a dated written invoice with (§ 301.5(8)):
- customer and shop names and addresses, the delivery date, year, make, registration number, and the odometer reading at completion
- an itemized list of the services performed
- parts by name or number, each price, and total parts, plus a used/reconditioned/rebuilt statement if not new
- labor hours, the hourly price, and total labor
- the total
A single posted or disclosed-at-delivery price for a service replaces the itemized prices. No other charges are allowed unless clearly disclosed before repairs begin. That covers shop supplies and disposal fees, so list them up front.
Also deceptive
Saying repairs are or aren’t needed, or that a car is or isn’t dangerous, when that isn’t true. Charging for work not done. Refusing a free copy of a document that puts legal obligations on the customer. Using the car for anything beyond a test drive or delivery without written permission (§ 301.5(1), (9)-(11)).
Sources
- 37 Pa. Code § 301.5, General provisions: repair shop: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/037/chapter301/s301.5.html