NHTSA's Next-Gen Car Controls: Weigh In on Smarter Interfaces

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.

2026-06254 — 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.

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.

Previous: 2026-06505 — William Taylor; Notice of Pending Jurisdictional Inquiry, and Soliciting Comments, Protests, and Motions To Intervene

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to decide if the Baldin Brook Hydroelectric Project in Vermont needs a federal license. This project might affect interstate energy trade because it’s connected to the power grid, so the Commission is checking its rules. People can now share their thoughts or ask to join the discussion before a final decision is made.

Next: 2026-06508 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Application From Joint Commission (JC) for Continued CMS-Approval of Its Home Health Agency (HHA) Accreditation Program

The Joint Commission wants to keep being approved to check home health agencies that work with Medicare and Medicaid. This means these agencies can keep getting help from these programs if they meet the rules. People have until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan, but no money changes are expected right now.