During times of crisis, like the recent pandemics or widespread emergencies, the definition of “essential business” becomes crucial. Governments and local authorities often issue orders that dictate which businesses can remain open to ensure the continuity of essential services while limiting the spread of the crisis. A common question that arises during these times, especially for those in the automotive industry, is: are car repair shops considered essential businesses?
The answer, generally, is yes. Car repair shops are typically classified as essential businesses. This classification stems from the critical role they play in maintaining public safety and enabling essential transportation. To understand why, let’s delve deeper into the reasoning and context surrounding this designation.
Why Car Repair Shops Are Deemed Essential
The rationale behind considering car repair shops as essential services is multifaceted:
- Maintaining Essential Transportation: Many individuals rely on their vehicles for essential activities. This includes commuting to essential jobs (healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees, etc.), transporting goods, and accessing vital services like healthcare, grocery stores, and pharmacies. If vehicles break down and cannot be repaired, it can severely hinder these essential movements.
- Ensuring Vehicle Safety: Cars require regular maintenance and occasional repairs to operate safely. Issues like brake problems, tire malfunctions, or engine trouble can make vehicles dangerous to drive, posing risks to the driver and others on the road. Car repair shops ensure that vehicles remain safe and roadworthy, preventing accidents and ensuring public safety.
- Supporting Emergency Services: Emergency services, including police, fire departments, and ambulances, heavily depend on their vehicles to respond to emergencies effectively. Car repair shops are crucial for keeping these emergency vehicles operational and ready for immediate deployment.
- Preventing Further Issues: Ignoring minor car problems can lead to more significant and costly repairs down the line. Essential car repair services help address issues promptly, preventing minor problems from escalating into major breakdowns, ensuring the longevity of vehicles and avoiding more complex and expensive repairs later.
- Supply Chain Maintenance: Beyond personal vehicles, a vast network of commercial vehicles is essential for supply chains, delivering food, medicine, and other crucial goods. Car repair shops also service these commercial fleets, ensuring the smooth operation of supply chains and the availability of essential goods.
During events like the COVID-19 pandemic, various jurisdictions issued guidelines to clarify which businesses were deemed essential. For instance, during the COVID-19 restrictions in Philadelphia, as highlighted in the original article, auto-repair shops were explicitly listed among the businesses permitted to remain open. This was consistent with the orders issued by the Pennsylvania Governor’s office at the time.
Here are examples of businesses that were considered essential and allowed to remain open during those specific restrictions:
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
- Restaurants (for delivery, pickup, and drive-through)
- Auto-repair shops
- Gas Stations
- Hardware Stores
- Pharmacies
- Banks and Credit Unions (limited services)
- Veterinary clinics and pet stores
Conversely, businesses deemed non-essential and required to close temporarily included:
- Movie theaters
- Clothing stores
- Fitness clubs
- Car dealerships
- Furniture stores
- Shopping malls
It’s important to note that while car repair shops are generally considered essential, specific regulations and classifications can vary by location and the nature of the emergency. Business owners should always refer to the latest official orders and guidelines from their local and state authorities to confirm their essential business status and any operational restrictions.
Seeking Clarification and Waivers
If a business is not explicitly listed as life-sustaining but believes it provides an essential service, there is often a process to seek clarification or an exemption. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania, businesses could seek a waiver from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to be recognized as essential.
In conclusion, car repair shops are, for very valid reasons, typically considered essential businesses. They play a vital role in maintaining safe transportation, supporting essential services, and ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life, especially during emergencies. Understanding this designation is crucial for both business owners in the automotive sector and the public who rely on these services to keep their vehicles running and safe on the road.
