NHTSA Finally Ditches 50-Year-Old Eco-Impact Rules

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.

2026-06507 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Novel Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Designs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants your thoughts on a new study about cool, next-level car controls called Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). This one-time info collection aims to help make driving safer and smarter, and they need approval before starting. If you’re interested, send your comments by June 2, 2026—no cost to you, just your voice!

2026-06254 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 110 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles

NHTSA is updating a safety rule to help self-driving vehicles that don’t have a traditional driver’s side. Instead of the usual spot, these vehicles can put their tire and load info placard on the left side, making it easier to follow the rules without risking safety. This change affects vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less and invites public comments by May 1, 2026—no big costs, just smarter rules for smart cars!

2026-05502 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Consolidated Labeling Requirements and Procedures for Selecting Lines To Be Covered by the Theft Prevention Standard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to bring back a paperwork process that helps label cars and pick which models need theft prevention features. This affects car makers who must follow these labeling rules and theft standards. If approved, the process will continue smoothly, and the public can share their thoughts by May 19, 2026.

Previous: 2025-12360 — Procedures for Implementing NEPA; Processing of Department of the Army Permits

The Army is updating how it reviews permit applications by replacing old environmental rules with a fresh, simpler set that also covers waterway permits. This change affects anyone applying for Army permits and aims to speed up the process without extra costs. They’re also asking for public feedback to make sure the new rules work well.

Next: 2025-12364 — Revision of National Environmental Policy Act Regulations

The FHWA, FRA, and FTA are updating their rules to make environmental reviews faster and simpler, following new laws and removed regulations. This change affects anyone involved in big infrastructure projects and starts right away, aiming to cut delays and save money. The agencies will keep listening for ideas to improve these rules even more.