BAR: mobile repair, referral services and online-ad rules effective Oct. 1; referral brokers must register if they collect payments

Bill Thomas, BAR deputy chief for field operations and enforcement, briefed the advisory group on a regulation package that became effective Oct. 1 covering mobile automotive repair, referral services and online advertising.

Thomas told the group, “the mobile repair referral services and online advertising regulations became effective October 1,” and then described several provisions affecting how mobile and Internet-based services must operate.

What changed: the rules require mobile-ARD applicants to supply a physical address where records are maintained and available for BAR inspection; set a 50-mile limit for a brick-and-mortar ARD to claim a mobile-truck exemption (above that distance the mobile unit must register separately); require mobile ARDs to record on the final invoice the physical address or a specific description of the location where repairs occur (for example, nearest cross street, landmark or mile marker) so BAR can support complaint investigations; and relocate Internet-advertising requirements that previously applied only to mobile ARDs so they now apply to all ARDs.

Thomas said referral services that collect compensation for repair work now fall under registration requirements. He explained the rule implements existing statute language that anyone who “collects compensation for automotive repairs must hold an automotive repair dealer registration,” and he gave examples: a concierge or broker that charges consumers and passes work to a shop, or an online parts retailer that arranges installation and collects the labor fee, must be registered as an ARD.

On online advertising, BAR staff said websites and online advertising must clearly display: the business name as registered with BAR, the ARD registration number and a phone number that is active and will be answered by someone the bureau can reach. Thomas explained that marketing call-tracking numbers are acceptable in ads if the business’s BAR-listed phone number appears on the business’s website where the customer ultimately lands; call-tracking and forwarding are permitted so long as the site contains the official contact information BAR has on file.

Industry reaction and clarifications: advisory members pressed for practical guidance on complex cases — for example, multi-location operators that run a single ad for multiple shops, targeted social-media coupons, Google My Business or Yelp listings, and whether franchisors or landlords who receive royalties must register. BAR staff repeatedly recommended stakeholders review the posted regulation text and promised to publish a set of frequently asked questions and examples. Thomas said the bureau will consider follow-up language to address marketing-tracking numbers and similar issues raised after the rule went into effect.

Ending: BAR said it will post examples and FAQs on its website and encouraged shops and digital marketers to send specific questions so staff can address common scenarios during the 45-day comment or follow-up clarification process.