NHTSA Axes Old Tests: 'They Worked, Time for New Tech'
Published Date: 8/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to stop two old car safety tests—the rollover resistance and side air bag out-of-position tests—because they've done their job. They’re also updating their 10-year plan to focus on newer, more important safety tech that can save more lives. Car makers, safety fans, and the public can share their thoughts by October 16, 2026, as these changes aim to keep safety info fresh without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Side Air‑Bag Out‑of‑Position Testing Dropped
NHTSA proposes removing the NCAP Side Air Bag Out‑of‑Position (SAB‑OOP) tests because the TWG procedures have not shown correlation with real‑world injuries and results are difficult to reproduce. NHTSA says discontinuing these tests will eliminate the burden of submitting up to 30 test positions per vehicle and let NCAP redirect resources to other safety priorities; comments are due October 16, 2026.
NCAP Roadmap Rescheduled; CRS Update Added
NHTSA proposes an updated NCAP 10‑year roadmap spanning 2026–2035 (mid‑term 2026–2030; long‑term 2031–2035) with timing changes for many items. Notable specifics: a one‑year delay in implementing a crash avoidance technology rating and a two‑year delay in updated crashworthiness/VRU/overall ratings and a revised Monroney label; addition of an updated Child Restraint System Ease‑of‑Use (CRS EOU) rating scheduled for implementation in the fourth quarter of 2028; driver monitoring for drowsiness is anticipated to start with model year 2036 and Intelligent Speed Assist research is planned for completion by 2031 with proposed NCAP implementation in 2035. Comments are due October 16, 2026.
Fishhook Rollover Test Removed
NHTSA proposes to remove the NCAP Dynamic Rollover Resistance (Fishhook) test and rely on the FMVSS No. 126 sine-with-dwell maneuver for dynamic rollover assessment, beginning with model year 2027 vehicles. NHTSA will continue to provide rollover ratings based on the Static Stability Factor (SSF) on its website and on the Monroney label; comments are due by October 16, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-16749, Denial of Motor Vehicle Defect Petition, DP26002
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