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119-hr-7389119th CongressWALLET

Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]

In Committee

Summary

Modernize NHTSA's vehicle safety framework. The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 would overhaul how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluates safety technologies, especially automated driving systems, and require clearer testing, consumer disclosure, and rulemaking plans. It focuses on faster planning cycles, stronger NCAP governance, and improved recall and exemption processes.

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  • Families and drivers would see clearer safety information and outreach through a strengthened New Car Assessment Program with a dedicated NCAP office, an Associate Administrator, voluntary performance testing within 1 year, and regular consumer education reports.
  • Manufacturers and tech developers would get more predictable testing and exemption rules by raising the exemption threshold from 2,500 to 90,000 vehicles, capping exemptions at 5 years, and creating a one‑year decision deadline for exemption applications.
  • Safety agencies, researchers, and responders would face new oversight and studies including a mandatory 36‑month rulemaking and research plan, quadrennial reviews of safety standards, GAO and Comptroller General studies, VIN modernization and ownership cost studies, and a fire rescue working group.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster exemptions but shorter terms

This bill would raise the vehicle exemption cutoff to 90,000 vehicles. It would require the Secretary to decide on a complete exemption application within 1 year or the application would be deemed approved unless the agency notifies the applicant the submission is incomplete. The bill would also cap any granted exemption or renewal at no more than 5 years.

Better recalls and clearer notifications

This bill would allow recall notices by certified mail, email, or other methods the Secretary permits. It would require manufacturers to honor a registered owner's reasonable request for certified mail. The bill would clarify when a maker must notify about a defect and require a study on why recalled vehicles do not get fixed, with reports due in 1 and 4 years.

Study to modernize vehicle IDs

This bill would require a study on modernizing the Vehicle Identification Number system. The Administrator must consult states, law enforcement, insurers, manufacturers, and others. A report to Congress would be due within 2 years.

Clear automation definitions and education

This bill would add clear definitions for automated driving systems using the April 2021 SAE Level 1–5 meanings. It would create a consumer automation education working group within 180 days. The group would make recommendations and report publicly within 3 years and then end.

Fire rescue and battery safety group

This bill would create a 15-member fire rescue working group within 180 days. The group would study occupant extraction, post-crash battery fire rescue, labeling, and responder training. It must report to Congress within 3 years and ends 60 days after filing its report.

Safety rulemaking plans and guidance

This bill would require the agency to publish a 36-month motor vehicle safety rulemaking and research priority plan within 2 years and every 2 years after. The plan must list rulemakings, research, NCAP relevance, milestones, and timelines. The bill would also require guidance within 1 year on how manufacturers can show equivalent safety and exempt certain research solicitations from the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Expanded testing for vehicle equipment

This bill would let the safety agency test and evaluate motor vehicle equipment as well as whole vehicles. That change would apply upon enactment and could lead to more testing of parts and components.

Study of car ownership costs

This bill would ask the National Academies to study average car age and ownership costs. The study would look at price, insurance, repairs, financing, energy needs, subscriptions, and depreciation. The Administrator must report the results within 3 years.

Study on automated wheelchair securement

This bill would require a feasibility study on automated wheelchair securement systems for vehicles. The study must consider a universal docking interface and a deployable anchor. The Administrator must publish a report within 3 years.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]

KY • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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