The rationale for many of the proposed actions is that removing/changing some of the requirements for vehicle manual controls would not affect the safety performance of ADS-equipped vehicles; however, the changes would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs associated with a design to aid a person driving the vehicle. These actions are part of a larger NHTSA effort to address vehicle automation in the agency's regulations.
Revisions proposed include:
- NHTSA is proposing (NPRM) to amend FMVSS 102 Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect. The proposed modification (FR Vol 91 No 50; Docket No. NHTSA-2026-0628) would except vehicles equipped with ADS that do not have manually operated driving controls from the requirement for a transmission shift position display. Comments relating to these proposed changes were to be submitted no later than April 15, 2026. Manufacturers may still provide these systems if they choose to do so. NHTSA seeks comment on an effective date less than 180 days after publication of a revised Final Rule in the Federal Register.
- NHTSA is proposing (NPRM) to amend FMVSS 103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems and FMVSS 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems (FR Vol 91 No 50; Docket No. NHTSA-2026-0629). The proposed modifications would exclude vehicles equipped with ADS that do not have manually operated driving controls from these FMVSSs requirements. The rationale is that it would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens associated with systems intended to provide visibility for a person driving the vehicle. Manufacturers may provide these systems if they choose to do so. Comments were to be submitted no later than April 15, 2026. The proposed effective date is for vehicles manufactured 180 days after the publication date of a revised Final Rule in the Federal Register.
- NHTSA is proposing (NPRM) to amend FMVSS 110 Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536kg (10,000lb) or less (FR Vol 91 No 62; Docket No. NHTSA-2026-0630).The proposed modification would amend a single section of the standard to enable compliance by affixing the required placard on the left side of the vehicle when there is not a "driver's side" for vehicles equipped with ADS that do not have manually operated driving controls. This rulemaking would allow flexibility in complying with the standard without detriment to vehicle safety. Comments should be submitted no later than May 1, 2026.
- NHTSA is proposing (Interim Final Rule and Request for Comments; FR Vol 91 No 65; Docket No. NHTSA-2026-0727) to amend the seat belt warning requirements in FMVSS 208 Occupant Crash Protection, Seat Belt Reminder Systems (some which relate to ADS equipped vehicles) in response to Petitions for Reconsideration of the January 2025 Final Rule. This Interim Final Rule delays the compliance dates and makes technical clarifications to the regulatory text. NHTSA denies the remainder of the requests. Though these amendments were effective April 6, 2026, to benefit from possible additional comments of interested parties and the public, NHTSA requested that any comments be submitted for this Rule due no later than May 21, 2026. As necessary, NHTSA will publish a Final Rule responding to any new comments received. The compliance date of this Interim Final Rule is September 1, 2028, with optional early compliance permitted. Multi-stage manufacturers and alterers have an additional year to comply.