The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the below notices of final rulemaking in the Federal Register this month. See below for brief summaries of the new rules and compliance dates for manufacturers.

  • Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Occupant Crash Protection; Seat Belt Reminder Systems; Controls and Displays (Jan. 3): NHTSA amended FMVSS No. 208 (Occupant Crash Protection) to extend existing seatbelt warning systems to: (1) require a seat belt warning system for rear seats, (2) update and enhance seat belt warning requirements for driver seat belt warnings, and (3) extend the requirements for driver’s warnings to the front outboard passenger seat. Manufacturers must comply with the front set belt warning system requirements by September 1, 2026, and the rear seat belt warning system requirements by September 1, 2027, with an additional year for multi-stage manufacturers and alterers.
Continue Reading NHTSA Rulemaking Roundup: January 2025
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President Trump’s “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” Presidential memorandum, which asks agencies to consider postponing the effective date of any rules that have been published in the Federal Register but have not yet taken effect, could impact the new NHTSA final rule related to automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology.

The AEB final rule, published in May 2024, will require all new light vehicles to be equipped with automatic braking systems that meet certain performance requirements by Sept. 1, 2029. The “freeze” does not change this final rule or compliance date.

Continue Reading Trump Administration’s Regulatory Freeze Memorandum Could Impact New AEB Rule

Disruptions in funding and other policy changes under the Trump Administration are creating uncertainty for investors and stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects. For information about how to navigate these changes, read our Client Alert  Navigating the Trump Administration’s Pause on IIJA and IRA Funding: Key Implications for Infrastructure Stakeholders.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published an updated proposed rule to amend its regulations to require recall notifications be sent to vehicle and equipment owners and purchasers by electronic means, in addition to first class mail. For more information about this rulemaking, see NHTSA Publishes Updated Proposed Rule on Manufacturer Recall Notifications.