NHTSA Targets Useless Old Rules Hindering Modern Car Innovation
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants your thoughts on old vehicle safety rules that don’t really help anymore but slow down new car tech and cost money. They’re looking to update these rules to be more flexible and tech-friendly, helping car makers innovate faster. If you have ideas, send them in by March 24, 2026—this could change how cars are made and save money in the long run!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove Obsolete Hardware Rules
NHTSA is asking for examples of FMVSS rules that require specific hardware or design elements that have been superseded by modern technology. You should submit comments with citations and data by March 24, 2026 if you know of such hardware-based requirements that impose costs without adding safety value.
Update Testing for New Designs
NHTSA seeks comment on testing procedures in FMVSS that are incompatible with or unnecessarily restrictive for innovative vehicle designs, such as vehicles without traditional manual controls. Provide specific FMVSS citations and technical analysis by March 24, 2026.
Cut Rules With No Safety Gain
NHTSA is asking for input identifying FMVSS requirements that impose compliance burdens but do not result in a measurable increase in real-world safety. Submit data or analysis and cite the specific regulation by March 24, 2026.
Make Standards Technology-Neutral
NHTSA requests comments on FMVSS or regulations that act as barriers to new safety technologies by failing to be technology-neutral. Commenters should provide FMVSS citations and technical support by March 24, 2026.
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