Legal and Liability Risks of Skipping ADAS Calibration for Workshops

Advanced driver assistance systems are becoming standard in modern vehicles, meaning calibration procedures are now a routine part of collision repair, windscreen replacement and service work. When a workshop neglects to recalibrate a forward-facing camera or radar after disturbing it, the consequences go far beyond an annoying dashboard light. Misaligned sensors can cause safety systems to fail or, worse, to intervene when there is no hazard. The Activate Group warns that sensors knocked out of position during minor repairs or bodywork can cause ADAS features to stop working or apply steering and braking when they shouldn’t. Skipping calibration exposes workshops to legal and financial risk as well as endangering the customer.

Safety and duty of care

ADAS technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are designed to reduce crashes. However, they depend on sensors positioned with millimetre accuracy. If a windscreen camera is off by a few degrees, the system will interpret lane lines incorrectly and may not brake in time. The Activate Group notes that miscalibrated systems can cause safety features to fail or to intervene unnecessarily, creating a risk of collisions and injuries. Every repairer has a duty of care to ensure the vehicles they return to the road are safe. Skipping calibration violates that duty and could be construed as negligence if a driver later has an ADAS-related crash.

Manufacturer requirements and warranties

Vehicle manufacturers provide detailed service procedures that call for calibration after specific repairs. Common triggers include windscreen replacement, suspension work, wheel alignment, front bumper repairs, airbag deployment and software updates. Many automakers have made automatic emergency braking standard equipment in recent years, and with that have increased the emphasis on proper calibration. Failing to follow these procedures may void the vehicle’s warranty and shift liability to the workshop. AAction Auto Glass warns that skipping camera calibration after windscreen replacement can lead to malfunctioning lane departure and automatic braking systems and could even void the vehicle’s warranty. If the workshop knowingly disregards OEM instructions, insurers may deny coverage in the event of a claim.

Regulatory and insurance implications

As ADAS features become mandated by regulators, calibration is no longer optional. In some regions, calibration records are required for vehicles to pass safety inspections or to clear diagnostic trouble codes after repairs. Insurers are also increasingly aware of the importance of calibration. A poor calibration record can jeopardise coverage for both the repairer and the driver. If a vehicle’s ADAS fails after a workshop skipped calibration, an insurer may refuse to pay out on the basis that the repair did not meet industry standards. Workshops should anticipate that documentation of calibration results will become an essential part of compliance and liability protection.

Legal risks for workshops

When a crash occurs and ADAS is implicated, investigators look at whether the vehicle’s systems were functioning properly. If calibration was not carried out, the workshop that performed the previous repair may be named in the resulting claim or lawsuit. Plaintiffs can argue that the workshop’s negligence contributed to the crash by failing to restore the vehicle’s safety systems. Even if the case is settled out of court, the costs can be significant, including legal fees, increased insurance premiums and reputational damage. In the worst cases, a business may be held liable for injuries or fatalities, leading to punitive damages that could threaten its viability.

Best practices to minimise liability

The solution is to build calibration into standard operating procedures. Any time a repair affects a camera, radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensor or steering component, calibrate the associated system. Use manufacturer-approved equipment and targets, follow OEM manuals and ensure technicians have up-to-date training. Record pre-repair and post-calibration diagnostic trouble codes, steering angle sensor values, alignment measurements and road test results. Provide this documentation to customers and keep copies on file for future reference. If external calibration services are required, schedule them before returning the car to the customer. Communicate openly with vehicle owners about the importance of calibration and any additional costs it may involve.

Protecting your business

Investing in calibration equipment and training may seem expensive, but it pales in comparison to the cost of a liability claim. Calibration reduces the risk of returning a vehicle with non-functioning safety systems and demonstrates professionalism. It also opens new revenue streams as more vehicles require recalibration after windscreen replacement, tyre or suspension changes and even minor bodywork. By performing calibration and documenting the results, workshops protect their customers and themselves from legal jeopardy.

Conclusion

Skipping ADAS calibration is not just a minor oversight – it is a potential liability. Misaligned sensors can cause safety features to fail, void warranties, trigger insurance disputes and expose workshops to lawsuits. By following manufacturer procedures, investing in training and equipment and documenting every calibration, repairers fulfil their duty of care and safeguard their business. The technology might be advanced, but the principle is simple: do the job right, or be prepared to answer for the consequences.