NHTSA Seeks Comments on Criminal Penalty Data Collection
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for public comments as it seeks approval to continue collecting info for its Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor Provision. This affects companies and individuals involved in vehicle safety compliance, helping them understand and possibly avoid penalties. Comments are due by June 29, 2026, and the process aims to keep paperwork manageable without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Safe‑Harbor Filing Can Shield You
If you are a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment manufacturer, officer, employee, or other person who must report under 49 U.S.C. 30166, you can seek the Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor under 49 U.S.C. 30170 by submitting a signed, dated document to NHTSA. That submission must identify each prior improper or omitted report, state the specific legal basis that should have triggered reporting, and include the corrected information or a detailed explanation why the information cannot be provided. Seeking safe harbor can shield a person from criminal penalties if the statutory conditions are met.
Paperwork Time and Cost Estimates
NHTSA estimates that one respondent will submit this safe‑harbor report per year and that each submission will take up to 2 hours to prepare. NHTSA estimates labor costs of $227.74 per submission (based on a $79.82 hourly wage and $113.87 hourly labor cost) and an estimated mailing cost of $12.90 if sent by USPS.
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Key Dates
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