BAR rules on mobile repair, referral services and online ads take effect Oct. 1; industry seeks guidance

The Bureau of Automotive Repair adopted new rules governing mobile automotive repair, referral services and internet advertising that took effect Oct. 1, 2025. The package requires mobile automotive repair dealers to keep records at a physical address, limits mobile work tied to a brick‑and‑mortar ARD to 50 miles, requires invoices to show where mobile repairs were performed, and moves internet‑advertising disclosure requirements to apply to all ARDs.

The rules also expand the bureau’s registration requirement to include referral services and online platforms that “collect compensation for automotive repair,” a change bureau staff said is intended to bring entities that broker or bundle repair labor and parts under ARD registration requirements.

“These regulations became effective October 1,” Bill Thomas, deputy chief for field operations and enforcement at the Bureau of Automotive Repair, told the advisory group. “An applicant for registration as a mobile ARD must provide a physical address where records will be maintained.”

Why this matters

The rules change how mobile repair operations and online marketers must identify themselves to consumers and to BAR investigators. By requiring a physical records address and a clearly displayed ARD number on internet advertising, BAR officials said they intend to make it easier for consumers to verify whether a shop is registered and for BAR to contact firms during consumer complaint…