New Mexico's automotive repair consumer-protection rule took effect

Effective January 1, 1998, New Mexico's Requirements for Repair of Vehicles established statewide repair-shop standards under the Unfair Practices Act. The rule requires written estimates for repairs over $100, new authorization when a job will exceed the estimate by the greater of 10% or $50, detailed invoices, diagnostic-fee disclosure, parts-condition disclosure, removed-parts rights and limits on liens for unauthorized charges.