Feds to Size Up Bikers' Gear: NHTSA's Cozy Survey Hits the Road

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: 2025-21596 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 15-16, 2026, to review important grant applications about biomedical technology. These meetings keep sensitive info private and protect personal details. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note this review, which helps decide funding but doesn’t change any deadlines or money right now.

Next: 2025-21599 — Notice of Availability; Crossroads-Hobbs-Roadrunner Transmission Project Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Roosevelt and Lea Counties, New Mexico

Nextera Energy wants to build a 137-mile power line in Roosevelt and Lea Counties, New Mexico, which might affect the rare dunes sagebrush lizard. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing a plan to protect the lizard’s habitat and a draft environmental report, asking everyone to share their thoughts by December 31, 2025. This project could change the local landscape and needs careful review before moving forward.