Cash for Clunkers' Ghostly Rules Finally Retired by NHTSA
Published Date: 5/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
NHTSA is cleaning house by removing old rules from the 2009 Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act that no longer make sense. This update affects car buyers and sellers by simplifying the process and cutting out outdated steps. No extra costs or deadlines—just a smoother ride for everyone involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove 2009 Recycle-and-Save Rules
If you buy or sell cars, NHTSA proposes removing obsolete regulations from the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009. The agency says this will simplify the process for car buyers and sellers by cutting outdated steps. NHTSA also states there are no new costs or deadlines tied to this change.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-05024 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 102 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA wants to update a safety rule to help self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or gear shifts. They’re proposing to remove the need for a gear position display in these automated vehicles, cutting costs without hurting safety. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 15, 2026!
2026-05023 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
2025-22674 — Public Hearing for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The government is holding a virtual public hearing on January 7, 2026, about new fuel economy rules for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031. These rules aim to keep vehicles safer and more affordable while improving fuel efficiency. If you care about how much gas your car uses or how much you pay at the pump, this is your chance to speak up before the rules are finalized.
2026-09849 — Event Data Recorders
The government is giving car makers more time to add better crash data recorders in vehicles, starting a slow rollout from September 2028 through 2031. This change affects all vehicle manufacturers, with smaller makers and special vehicles getting extra time until 2032 or 2033. The goal? Make sure new safety tech fits smoothly into car production without rushing, and yes, early upgrades are welcome!
2026-09151 — Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Kawasaki found that some of their motorcycles from 1979-1981 and 2017-2025 don’t fully meet brake safety rules. They asked the government to decide if this issue is minor and won’t affect safety. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no money or recalls are expected right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09751 — Removing Obsolete Directives From Phase-In Reporting Requirements
NHTSA is cleaning house by removing old, outdated rules from their phase-in reporting requirements. This change mainly affects car makers who report safety info, making their job simpler and clearer. No new costs or deadlines—just a smoother process starting soon!
Next: 2025-09754 — Rescinding Requirements Regarding Geodetic Markers
The government is canceling old rules from 1974 about geodetic markers—those special points used for mapping and surveying. This change affects surveyors and anyone who uses these markers, making things simpler and cutting out outdated steps. No new costs or deadlines are coming, so it’s a smooth update to modernize how we handle mapping tools.