# 2024-31011: Government Finally Discovers Email Exists for Car Recalls 2024-31011, Updated Means of Providing Recall Notification, is a Federal Register proposed rule from an unnamed agency published 2025-01-10, effective Proposed compliance date: NHTSA proposes to make the electronic notification requirements in this proposed rule applicable to recalls filed one year or later following publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. Early compliance is permitted but optional. NHTSA proposes to make compliance with all other requirements in this proposed rule be required as of the effective date of the final rule. (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2024-31011 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2024-31011 - Title: Updated Means of Providing Recall Notification - Type: Proposed Rule - Agencies: unknown - Citation: unknown - Published: 2025-01-10 - Effective: Proposed compliance date: NHTSA proposes to make the electronic notification requirements in this proposed rule applicable to recalls filed one year or later following publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. Early compliance is permitted but optional. NHTSA proposes to make compliance with all other requirements in this proposed rule be required as of the effective date of the final rule. - Comments close: not stated - Significant: no - Touches household money: no - Regulation identifier numbers: none - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line Government Finally Discovers Email Exists for Car Recalls ## Summary The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is updating how car recall notices are sent. Besides regular mail, companies can now notify owners electronically, making it faster and easier to get important safety info. These changes start about a year after the final rule is published, giving everyone time to adjust without extra costs. ## Abstract In accordance with the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), NHTSA is proposing to amend the means of required recall notification to include notification by electronic means, in addition to first-class mail, and proposing certain other attendant obligations related to this requirement. NHTSA is also proposing to revise certain language that is currently required for recall notifications, as well as to update certain language in the regulation and the office designation for NHTSA's Recall Management Division and NHTSA's web address. ## Effects PRIA read - Electronic Recall Notices Required: benefit, high. NHTSA proposes that manufacturers must send recall notices to owners and purchasers by electronic means in addition to first-class mail for every recall. This requirement covers both initial interim (if used) and final recall notifications to owners, purchasers, and lessees. - Two-Tiered Electronic Notification Method: benefit, medium. Manufacturers must first use all reasonable efforts to notify owners and purchasers directly using owner-specific contact information (for example, email or phone). If some owners cannot be reached that way, manufacturers must also issue broader electronic notifications reasonably calculated to rea… - Timing for Electronic Rule Compliance: benefit, low. NHTSA proposes that the electronic notification requirement would apply to recalls filed one year or later after the final rule is published in the Federal Register. Manufacturers may choose to comply earlier if they wish. - Stronger Envelope and Letter Headings: benefit, low. NHTSA proposes changing the required wording on recall mailings from "SAFETY RECALL NOTICE" and "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" to the wording "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" on both the outside of the envelope and at the top of the owner notification letter. - Owner Website Direction Updated: benefit, low. NHTSA proposes updating the recall website referenced in notices: manufacturers would direct owners to "http://www.nhtsa.gov" instead of "http://www.safercar.gov" for recall information. - Flexible Electronic Notice Content and VIN Links: benefit, medium. The rule would let electronic recall messages be more flexible in content: the message must not be inconsistent with 49 U.S.C. 30119, but need not include the full text of the mailed notice, and a hyperlink to a representative copy is required only where practical. 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