Self-Driving Cars Get New Rules: Placards Move to Left Side
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
NHTSA is updating a safety rule to help self-driving vehicles that don’t have a traditional driver’s side. Instead of the usual spot, these vehicles can put their tire and load info placard on the left side, making it easier to follow the rules without risking safety. This change affects vehicles under 10,000 pounds and opens the door for more automated cars on the road, with comments open until May 1, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Left-side Placard Option for ADS Vehicles
Manufacturers and operators of automated driving system (ADS) vehicles that do not have a traditional driver's side may affix the FMVSS No. 110 tire/load placard on the left side of the vehicle instead of a driver's-side location. This change applies to motor vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less and, according to NHTSA, would provide flexibility without detriment to vehicle safety. The proposed rule does not apply to ADS-equipped vehicles that retain manually operated driving controls.
Submit Alternate Placard Locations to NHTSA
If none of the specified placard locations are practicable, manufacturers may submit notification with drawings or photographs showing a suggested alternate placard location to the Administrator, NHTSA, for approval. The submission must be in English and conform in color and format to the standard's examples.
No Relief for Vehicles with Manual Controls
The proposed exception for placard location applies only to ADS-equipped vehicles that do not have manually operated driving controls; any vehicle equipped with manually operated driving controls must continue to meet all existing FMVSS No. 110 requirements. NHTSA states that vehicles with manual controls remain subject to the current placard-location provisions.
Agency Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
NHTSA certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency states the proposal removes an unnecessary regulatory burden (placard location flexibility) with no negative impact to vehicle safety.
Potential Immediate Effective Date Sought
NHTSA states that, if adopted, the rule could be made effective immediately or in a period shorter than the usual 180 days because it would relieve a restriction; the agency requests comment on whether the rule could be effective in less than 180 days or upon publication. This timing could affect how quickly manufacturers and deployers can rely on the new placard flexibility.
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Key Dates
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