OEM Position Statements & ADAS Calibration Liability
How manufacturer requirements shape calibration — and your liability.
What an OEM position statement is
Automakers publish position statements describing when and how safety systems must be calibrated after repairs. They commonly call for calibration after windshield replacement, suspension or alignment work, sensor-area repairs, and many collision repairs.
These statements define the accepted standard of care. Deviating from them — skipping a required calibration or using an unapproved method — can expose a shop to liability if a safety system later fails.
Why documentation protects you
Because calibration is safety-critical, the record matters as much as the work. Pre- and post-repair scans, target placement, procedure references, and completion confirmation create a defensible trail that the calibration was done correctly and to OEM spec.
Good documentation also makes insurer reimbursement straightforward — the same record that protects you on liability is what gets the claim paid.
Building it into your workflow
The most reliable way to stay compliant is to make documentation part of the job, not an afterthought. Capturing scans and procedure references on every calibration — automatically tied to the job record — removes the risk of a gap going unnoticed.
Frequently asked questions
- Are OEM position statements legally binding?
- They aren't laws, but they establish the accepted standard of care and are frequently referenced in liability disputes and insurer requirements.
- What should I document on every calibration?
- Pre/post scans, target placement, the OEM procedure used, and confirmation of completion, all tied to the job.