A Redditor recently felt pulled to a mechanic after driving across the country on vacation. They visited a Pep Boys, complaining of a brake squeal. Things start out friendly enough, but quickly unravel.

Initially, the mechanic suggested brake pad replacement

The driver approved the $200 repair estimate. Two hours later, though, they get a call. The proper fix would actually include two caliper replacements. The estimate skyrockets to $780.

The driver says they asked to see the problems. The mechanic said they couldn’t replicate them. “I detect BS and say we want to take it to another shop for a second opinion,” the Redditor explains. The problem is, they go on, “He says he cannot legally let us drive it away without a tow off the lot.”

Is this mechanic entrapping the customer? Or is this due diligence?

Can a mechanic legally stop you from driving away if they deem your car unsafe?

The answer is, as is for much legalese, “it depends.”

Several self-described mechanics answered that different states carry varying rules about this exact judgement. “I’ve been a mechanic for 10+ years in 2 different states. Laws may vary from state to state, but in my experience, we could only tell a customer the vehicle is unsafe and make them sign on their paperwork showing that they acknowledge that they shouldn’t drive it.”

Another in California claimed that yes, they often call for a tow when the team deems a car unsafe or outside the state’s regulatory compliance.

Yet others say no, a mechanic can’t keep you away from your car. Instead, shops might have the driver sign a waiver stating that they’re aware of the car’s conditions and are driving away anyway.

In most of the United States, a mechanic generally cannot legally hold your car or physically stop you from driving away just because they think it’s unsafe

They are not law enforcement. They don’t have roadside authority. Your car is still your property.

But there are important caveats. And this is where drivers get tripped up:

1. A shop can refuse to release the car if you haven’t paid for authorized work

That’s a mechanic’s lien, and it’s real. A shop can also refuse to reinstall parts they believe would make the vehicle dangerous.

For example, if they removed brake components and you declined repairs, they may decline to reassemble the system in a condition they believe could cause harm. At that point, towing becomes the usual workaround. It’s happened to me and my shop colleagues before.

2. What they usually cannot do is block the exit, seize your keys, or threaten you with arrest for driving off

If that happens, it can quickly cross into unlawful detention or conversion of property, depending on the state.

3. There’s one big exception: state inspections

If your car is in a state-mandated safety inspection program and it fails, the shop can legally prohibit on-road use in specific ways.

In states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York, inspection failure can mean the car is legally unfit for public roads until fixed.

Driving anyway can bring fines, citations, or insurance headaches if something goes wrong.

There is no nationwide rule that gives mechanics blanket power to stop drivers

Instead, several states in recent years have clarified inspection enforcement rules and consumer protection statutes. These updates spell out what shops must disclose, how failed inspections are documented, and when a vehicle must be towed instead of driven. The goal is liability clarity, not giving shops police powers.

What can you do?

If a mechanic refuses to give you your car after an inspection, ask if the restriction is legal or advisory.

If it’s safety advice or shop policy, you can consider several paths. The first is agreeing to either sign a waiver and/or tow the car somewhere else. This is especially the case if you understand that they’re just trying to prevent a safety issue from getting back on the road, and think you can get a better repair estimate elsewhere. Do with their advice what you will, as long as you’ve agreed you’ve received it.

If this is just their shop policy, not a state mandated process, and you doubt the soundness of the mechanic’s findings, you can usually legally take your car without agreeing over anything. If they still refuse, call the police. After all, they can’t “force” you to sign anything. If you’re in a state that disallows this type of property retention, the authorities will tell them so.

If it’s a legal inspection fail, though, the shop has a good reputation, and you know the rules, you might be better off just getting it fixed right then and there. Otherwise, call a tow and take it somewhere else for another opinion.