NHTSA Deletes Obsolete CNG Fuel-System Text
Published Date: 6/3/2026
Rule
Summary
The government updated safety rules for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by removing old, outdated text to keep things clear and current. This change affects manufacturers and anyone involved with CNG vehicle safety standards. The new rule kicks in on July 6, 2026, with no extra costs expected, making CNG vehicles safer and regulations simpler.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Which CNG Vehicles Must Meet S6 Tests
The rule clarifies which compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles must meet parts of FMVSS No. 303. Each passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck, and bus with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less that uses CNG must meet the requirements of S6 except S6.4, and each school bus with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds that uses CNG must meet S6.4. These changes take effect on July 6, 2026.
Obsolete CNG Rules Removed — No Expected Costs
NHTSA removed obsolete text from FMVSS No. 303 to simplify the rule; the agency states there are no expected extra costs and certified the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The final rule is a deregulatory action and becomes effective on July 6, 2026.
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
2026-11072 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214; Side Impact Protection; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 305a; Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electric Powertrain Integrity; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 307; Fuel System Integrity of Hydrogen Vehicles
Starting July 6, 2026, car makers must follow updated safety rules that clean up old, outdated side-impact protection standards and fix related rules for electric and hydrogen vehicles. These changes make the rules clearer without adding new costs or big changes for manufacturers. If anyone wants to challenge the updates, they have until July 20, 2026, to speak up.
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.
2026-11079 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 206; Door Locks and Door Retention Components
Starting July 6, 2026, car makers must follow updated rules that remove old, unnecessary door lock requirements. This change affects vehicle manufacturers and helps simplify safety standards without extra costs. If anyone wants to challenge the rule, they have until July 20, 2026, to speak up.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11068 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 216; Roof Crush Resistance, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 216a; Roof Crush Resistance; Upgraded Standard
Starting July 6, 2026, the old roof crush safety rule (FMVSS No. 216) is officially out, making way for the upgraded FMVSS No. 216a. This change affects car makers who now follow the stronger, updated roof crush resistance standards to keep passengers safer. No big costs expected since the new rule already guides the industry, but manufacturers should note the deadline and get ready!
Next: 2026-11070 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 217; Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release
The government updated rules for bus emergency exits and windows by removing old, unnecessary requirements. This change affects bus makers and helps keep safety standards clear and up-to-date. The new rules kick in on July 6, 2026, with no extra costs expected.