NHTSA Seeks Approval for Car Theft Label Data Collection
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to continue collecting info about vehicle labeling and theft prevention rules. This affects car makers who must follow clear labeling and theft prevention standards. Comments are open until October 30, 2026, and no extra costs or big changes are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory parts-marking costs for manufacturers
If you are a motor vehicle manufacturer, you must mark major component and replacement parts for vehicle lines designated high-theft. NHTSA estimates an average of 14 parts labeled per vehicle at $0.38 per label (about $5.33 per vehicle), affecting about 4.5 million vehicles annually for a total estimated annual printing cost of $24,003,000.
Annual reporting time burden for manufacturers
If you are a motor vehicle manufacturer, NHTSA expects annual reporting and recordkeeping burdens tied to parts-marking and target-area submissions. The agency estimates total annual burden of 150,550 hours (including 4.5 million parts-marking responses, 23 target-area submissions totaling about 460 hours, and two Part 542 evaluations at 45 hours each).
New-line evaluations may trigger coverage
If you introduce a new light-duty truck (LDT) line, you must submit evaluations about whether the new line is likely to be high-theft and whether it shares interchangeable major parts with high-theft passenger motor vehicle lines under 49 CFR part 542. NHTSA expects about one manufacturer per year to submit each of these two evaluations (each estimated at 45 hours).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19964, The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The SAFE Vehicles Rule III updates fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031, making sure manufacturers build vehicles that better match what American families want and need. This rule changes how fuel efficiency is measured and sets new deadlines starting November 30, 2026. It aims to save money at the pump and help the environment by encouraging smarter, more affordable vehicle designs.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19958, Sunshine Act Meetings
The Railroad Retirement Board is holding a public meeting on October 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. Anyone who wants to join must ask for dial-in info at least a day before. The meeting will cover updates on legislation, keeping everyone in the loop without any cost or hassle.
Next: 2026-19962, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Request for Comment; Consolidated Labeling Requirements for Motor Vehicles (Except the VIN)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is updating and combining rules about vehicle labels, like brake fluid warnings and fuel labels for natural gas and hydrogen cars. This affects car makers and anyone involved in vehicle safety labeling. They’re asking for public comments by October 30, 2026, and these changes aim to keep labels clear without adding extra costs or paperwork.