Changes to Block Exemption Regulation

What are the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations?

The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations are a set of rules developed by the EU to ensure that car owners have more choice over where they get their cars serviced or repaired. Essentially, the rules mean that official car dealerships must share their repair information with different auto centres - not just the ones they own. In turn, drivers have more choice over their auto care, rather than being limited to one official dealership. These rules also make it easier for businesses to make and sell spare parts for cars, which results in cheaper parts for motorists. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what the changes are to the EU Block Exemption Regulations and what this means for you.  

What is the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation Extension?

The EU Block Exemption Regulations were originally set to expire in May 2023, with the UK leaving the EU, but have since been extended until 2029 with some changes. The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation Extension puts customers first by ensuring they have more options for car services and parts. The extension will also allow the European Commission to keep an eye on how the car market is changing, especially with the rise of electric cars on the market and the roads. 

What are the updates to the guidelines?

The updated guidelines were rolled out in May 2023 to make it clear to car dealerships what they can and can’t do under the new rules. These updates ensure independent garages can access the necessary data to carry out vehicle repairs. This is especially important as cars get more and more computerised, the ability to share data will ultimately give you more freedom over where you get your car serviced or repaired, allowing you to also choose an auto care provider that best suits your budgets.   

What does this mean for the UK?

Originally, the UK planned to keep the EU Motor Vehicle Block Extension rules but instead will be establishing their own rules and regulations, which will be known as the Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. These regulations are tailored to the UK market and include; 

Competition Laws: The Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order will carry over the existing EU competition laws – this means car parts and servicing prices will remain fair.  

Aftermarket services: The exemption order ensures independent garages and aftermarket parts suppliers can compete with official car dealerships. 

Software and digital tools: The regulations have been updated to consider software and digital tools, ensuring that software for repair and maintenance is kept up to date and compatible across different garages to ensure that motorists can seek repairs even if they aren’t at their usual garage.  

Legal clarification: Terms used to set out the regulations have been updated to provide legal clarity to make services more accessible for motorists.  

The Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order is set to expire after six years, with the possibility of a mid-term review after three years. The review allows for adjustments based on future market changes, ensuring the regulatory changes keep pace with innovation. 

Locate your nearest PTA Garages today for MOT and car servicing, or get in touch with a member of our team for expert motoring help and advice.