EDR

Jul 2026

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Issue Final Rule Preamble and Amended Final Rule for Event Data Recorders (EDRs) to Delay Timing of Implementation and to Establish a Phase-in Plan

he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published an amended Final Rule and Preamble in the May 18, 2026 Federal Register (F.R. Vol. 91, No. 95; NHTSA–2025-0050).  This regulatory action addresses petitions submitted for earlier rulemaking and includes proposals to revise 49 CFR Parts 585 and 563 Event Data Recorders. The amended actions for the Event Data Recorder regulations allow delayed implementation dates and a 4 year phase-in plan. This Final Rule does not meet the criteria of a 'significant regulatory action' under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993); therefore, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not reviewed this proposed rule under that Executive Order. This rulemaking is a deregulatory action under E.O. 14192 because it would reduce the implementation burden associated with the December 2024 Final Rule, which increased the pre-crash data recording duration and sample rate required under 49 CFR Part 563. Though the substantive requirements adopted in the December 2024 Final Rule remain unchanged, the NHTSA is modifying the compliance schedule in response to Petitions for Reconsideration that identified implementation challenges and risk of unintended consequences. Based on NHTSA's analysis, the lead time extension and phase-in may result in total quantified savings.