The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Responds to Petitions for Final Rule Changes Regarding Data Capture for Event Data Recorders (EDRs)

The NHTSA issued an NPRM (Federal Register Vol. 90 No. 227; Docket No. NHTSA-2025-0050) addressing Petitions for Reconsideration regarding a Final Rule issued December 18, 2024. The Final Rule amended the data capture requirements of EDRs to specify a 20s recording duration and a 10Hz sample rate (49CFR Parts 563 and 585). The primary purpose of an EDR is to record technical information for a brief period before, during, and after a collision, aiding in post-crash analysis and reconstruction. Manufacturers are not required to install EDRs in their vehicles; however, EDRs that are voluntarily installed must meet the NHTSA requirements. NHTSA is proposing to delay the compliance date from September 1, 2027, to September 1, 2028, and implement a phase-in period that would require 25% of a manufacturer's fleet equipped with EDRs to be compliant with the requirements of the new Final Rule beginning in the first year of compliance, and an additional 25% each year after that, until the fleet is fully compliant in the fourth year to meet the new requirements. NHTSA also proposes that vehicles manufactured in two or more stages, or that are altered, are not required to comply with the Final Rule until on or after September 1, 2031. Small-volume and limited-line manufacturers would be required to comply beginning on September 1, 2032. The proposal would permit voluntary early compliance. Comments are required to be submitted by December 29, 2025.