NHTSA Ditches Gear Shift Rules for Wheel-Free Self-Driving Cars

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.

2026-06254 — 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!

2026-05503 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Request for Comment; Event Data Recorders

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to continue collecting info from event data recorders (EDRs), the gadgets in cars that record safety and driving data. This affects car makers and safety researchers who use this info to improve vehicle safety. Comments on this plan are open until April 20, 2026, and the goal is to keep gathering useful data without adding extra hassle or costs.

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.

2026-05366 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), Non-Traffic Surveillance (NTS), and Special Study Data Collection

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to keep collecting important crash and traffic data but with some updates to how they do it. This affects drivers, researchers, and safety experts who rely on accurate info to make roads safer. They’re asking for your thoughts by May 18, 2026, before making these changes official—no big costs, just smarter data gathering!

Previous: 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.

Next: 2026-05050 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 Chub Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Specifications

The government is setting new fishing limits for chub mackerel and Illex squid in 2026 to keep fish populations healthy, while keeping the same rules for longfin squid and butterfish. These changes affect fishermen and seafood businesses along the Northeastern U.S. coast and aim to prevent overfishing based on the latest science. Public comments are open until April 15, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized.