NHTSA Requests Public Comments on Vehicle Safety Reporting Requirements
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to collect updated vehicle safety data as part of new crash protection rules. This affects car makers who must report phase-in progress, helping keep drivers safer without adding big costs. Comments on this info collection are open until December 18, 2025, so stakeholders have time to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual production reporting requirement
If you are a light-vehicle manufacturer required under 49 CFR part 585, you must submit an annual production report that includes the number of vehicles manufactured in the production year and the number of complying vehicles. The report is due within 60 days after the end of the production year ending August 31, 2026; NHTSA estimates 22 manufacturers will respond and the total annual burden is 22 hours.
Five-year records retention duty
Applicable light-vehicle manufacturers must retain records demonstrating compliance with the phase-in requirements for five years. NHTSA included this retention requirement as part of the phase-in reporting and recordkeeping obligations under 49 CFR part 585.
Phase-in compliance deadlines
The rule phases in testing with updated child restraint systems: 40% of a manufacturer's light vehicles must comply with the revised Appendix A-1 by September 1, 2025, and all light vehicles must be fully compliant by September 1, 2026. Manufacturers must report achievement of the annual production quota during the phase-in period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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