A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.
In Oklahoma, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs, labor, or materials provided by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Oklahoma statutes, specifically Title 42 of the Oklahoma Statutes, mechanics and those who furnish materials or labor for repairs have the right to a lien on the vehicle they serviced. This lien ensures that the mechanic or repair shop can retain possession of the vehicle until they are compensated for their services. The lien is typically perfected by possession of the vehicle and must be enforced within a certain time frame, which requires the lienholder to file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien if the debt remains unpaid. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt, the mechanic may eventually sell the vehicle at a public sale after proper notice to satisfy the lien. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Oklahoma's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.