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 Rhode Island, 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 services provided by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-28-1 et seq., mechanics and other service providers can secure payment for labor, materials, storage, or other services provided in repairing or improving personal property, including vehicles. The lien gives the repair shop the right to retain possession of the vehicle until the debt is paid. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt within a specified period, the mechanic may enforce the lien through a sale of the vehicle, subject to compliance with statutory notice and procedural requirements. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Rhode Island's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.