DOT Extends Old Paperwork Rules for Government Contracts

2026-06323 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Response to Petition for Reconsideration

Pipeline companies and safety pros, listen up! PHMSA just said no to changes requested by the Interstate Natural Gas Association about pipeline safety rules for areas where people live or work. This means the current rules about how pipelines must be upgraded when neighborhoods grow stay in place, so companies should keep their safety upgrades on schedule without extra costs or delays.

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.

2025-18980 — Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs

The U.S. Department of Transportation is hitting pause on some parts of the new wheelchair safety rules for air travelers while they rethink a few details. This affects airlines and travelers who use wheelchairs, especially around how airlines handle broken wheelchairs, training, notifications, and refunds. No changes to other rules yet, and the DOT will update everyone once they decide—so no extra costs or hassles for now!

2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.

Previous: 2025-19661 — Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules; Meeting of the Judicial Conference

The Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules is switching its November 6, 2025 meeting to a virtual format, letting the public watch online but not join in. This affects lawyers, judges, and anyone interested in criminal court rules, with no cost changes but a new way to tune in. The agenda will be posted a week before, so everyone can stay in the loop without leaving home!

Next: 2025-19663 — FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP); Notice of Postponement of Public Meeting

The meeting of the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) has been postponed, affecting scientists, industry folks, and anyone interested in pesticide safety reviews. This means the panel’s important discussions and decisions will happen later than planned, but no money changes are involved. Stay tuned for the new date so you don’t miss out on the updates!