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NHTSA

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

The 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.

Jul 2025

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Publish Significant Number of Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

On May 30, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published in the Federal Register (Vol. 90 No. 103) 24 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs). They have requested comments addressing all related issues. These NPRMs cover many regulated topics and varying aspects of regulatory actions that have been in force for a number of years. These proposals are intended to minimize confusion, remove unnecessary requirements and may assist in introducing new technology.

Nov 2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding Pedestrian Protection

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the September 19, 2024 Federal Register (F.R. Vol. 89, No. 182; NHTSA-2024-0057). Data indicates pedestrian fatalities increasing substantially in recent years. This NPRM would ensure that passenger vehicles are designed to reduce the risk of serious to fatal child and adult head injury in pedestrian crashes. The new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 228, Pedestrian Head Protection, would apply to passenger cars, light trucks (including pickups), Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs) (MPVs include Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), crossover vehicles and vans) and buses with a GVWR of 4,536kg (10,000lb) or less. The standard would require vehicles to meet a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) when subjected to testing simulating a head-to-hood impact. The vehicles would have to reduce the risk of serious to fatal head injury to child and adult pedestrians in impacts at vehicle speeds up to 40km/h (25mph), which encompass about 70% of pedestrian injuries from vehicle impacts. It is expected the standard would be beneficial even at higher speeds.