NHTSA Revives Rules for Car Bulb Size Reporting
Published Date: 4/8/2026
Notice
Summary
NHTSA wants to bring back a rule that asks companies to share details about the size and shape of replaceable light bulbs used in vehicles. This helps keep car lights safe and reliable. If you’re a business involved with these light sources, you should know they’re asking for your feedback by June 8, 2026, and there’s no new cost, just a quick info update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Manufacturers must submit bulb specs 60 days before production
If you make replaceable vehicle light sources or headlamps, you must submit dimensional, electrical, and marking/designation information to NHTSA not later than 60 days before beginning manufacture of a replaceable light source product. NHTSA estimates this will occur about once per year, and that each submission takes about 4 hours with an estimated labor cost of $217.52 per submission (OMB Control No. 2127-0563); NHTSA requests OMB approval for a 3-year expiration period.
Submitted specs go into a public docket for replacement makers
NHTSA will place the submitted replaceable light source specifications in a public docket for use by any person who wants to manufacture replacement headlamp light sources so they can be made interchangeable with original equipment. Information in the docket is used as the basis for certification under FMVSS No. 108 and to designate whether a light source is distinct or interchangeable.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in