If you fix your car, you’re breaking the law!

I recently came cross and article that states, if you live in Sacramento California and work on your own car, then you’re probably breaking the law. Finding this hard to believe, I decided to dig a little deeper and yes, this is correct! Sacramento California is making it illegal for backyard mechanics or “do it yourselfers” to work on cars. Defining limits for minor repairs, stating “It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, or permit others to engage in, minor vehicle repair or maintenance under any of the following circumstances:

• Using tools not normally found in a residence;

• Conducted on vehicles registered to persons not currently residing on the lot or parcel; and,

• Conducted outside a fully enclosed garage or accessory structure and resulting in the vehicle being inoperable for a period in excess of 24 hours. (See Section 3.2.5, Table 3.2 (I) of the Zoning Code)”

This is absolutely insane! As a car enthusiast and a person with a degree in Automotive Technology, I regularly work on not only my personal vehicles, but vehicles for family and friends. I cannot see how this type of legislation is not infringing on a persons rights and freedoms.

Read the actual code from the Sacramento Country Code Enforcement website.

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