In October 2003 European Union, 'Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002' (BER) came into force.

This gave motorists more freedom in their decision as to who should repair and service their vehicle - now any garage can be used without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty (subject to certain conditions).

The Automobile Distribution Federation (ADF) have written proof from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that:

Independent repairers CAN carry out normal maintenance and repair services during a vehicles warranty period without invalidating the warranty conditions provided that:
- The service is carried out in accordance with the manufacturers servicing and schedules and is recorded as such.
- Any parts used are of 'appropriate quality' and are recorded as such.