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 Utah, 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 or improvements made by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Utah Code Title 38, Chapter 1a, the Utah Mechanic's Lien Act provides the framework for these liens. The lien gives the repair shop the right to retain possession of the vehicle until the owner pays for the services rendered. To enforce a mechanic's lien, the repair shop must comply with specific statutory requirements, including a proper notice to the vehicle owner and a timely filing of the lien. If the owner fails to pay, the repair shop may be able to sell the vehicle through a lien sale to recover the costs. It's important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Utah's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.