2026-15482RuleWallet

NHTSA Loosens Temporary Car Safety Exemption Rules and Goes Electronic

Published Date: 7/31/2026

Rule

Summary

This interim final rule amends NHTSA's general exemption regulations to remove language limiting the application of temporary exemptions from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and the bumper standard to motor vehicles manufactured on and after the effective date of an exemption, and to align the regulations with the Administrator's statutory discretion to determine the vehicle population covered by a temporary exemption. It also removes the requirement that applications for exemption be submitted in three copies and specifies an electronic means for submission. Though these amendments are effective immediately, to benefit from comments interested parties and the public may have, NHTSA requests that any comments be submitted to the docket for this rule. Following the close of the comment period, NHTSA will publish a final rule responding to any comments received and making any appropriate changes to the interim final rule.

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Exemptions May Cover Older Vehicles

If you manufacture vehicles, NHTSA's interim final rule effective July 31, 2026 allows the Administrator to decide that a temporary exemption can cover vehicles manufactured before the exemption's effective date. The rule says previously manufactured vehicles may be included in the exempted population and, if the exemption terms allow, those vehicles could be used for purposes other than testing or even offered for sale.

Certification, Labeling, and Sales Count Rules

Even if a vehicle manufactured before an exemption is covered by a grant, manufacturers must still certify that the vehicle conforms to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on its date of manufacture and attach the required label showing the date of manufacture and exempted standards. For counting the maximum annual sales under a grant, vehicles made before the effective date will be accredited to the 12-month period in which they are sold.

Paperwork Reduced; Electronic Submissions

Applicants for temporary exemptions no longer must file three paper copies. Instead, exemption requests must be submitted electronically to [email protected], reducing paper burden and minor costs for petitioners; this change is effective July 31, 2026.

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Key Dates

Published Date

Rule Effective

Comments Due

7/31/2026

8/31/2026

Department and Agencies

Department

Independent Agency

Agency

Transportation Department

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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