MVMA of 2026 (H.R. 7389)

Summary

Updates the safety programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to better handle modern car technologies like self-driving systems.

What problem does this solve?

Current car safety rules were made for older cars and are slow to change, which makes it hard to regulate new technologies like automated driving. This act creates new processes for the government to make and update safety rules faster, helping to keep up with new car features.

What does this bill do?

Establishes a safety rulemaking priority plan

Requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop and publish a 3-year plan outlining its priorities for making new safety rules and conducting research.

Reforms the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

Creates a new office and an advisory committee within NHTSA to modernize the 5-star safety rating system for new cars, including adding a process for manufacturers to voluntarily test and report performance.

Increases exemptions for vehicle manufacturers

Raises the number of vehicles a manufacturer can produce under a safety exemption from 2,500 to 90,000 and requires NHTSA to make a decision on exemption requests within one year.

Mandates regular review of all safety standards

Requires NHTSA to review all existing motor vehicle safety standards every four years to determine if they should be updated or removed based on new technology, costs, and safety data.

Allows modern recall notifications

Permits manufacturers to notify owners of a vehicle recall using email or other electronic methods, not just certified mail, unless the owner specifically requests mail.

Creates a working group for consumer education on automation

Establishes a group to recommend strategies for teaching the public about the differences, capabilities, and limits of various levels of automated driving systems.

Studies automated wheelchair securement systems

Directs NHTSA to study the possibility of adding automated systems to cars that can safely secure a wheelchair, making travel safer and easier for wheelchair users.

Forms a working group for post-crash fire rescue

Creates a group with first responders and manufacturers to find ways to make it safer and easier to rescue people from crashed vehicles, especially those with new battery technologies.

Who does this affect?

Vehicle Manufacturers
Vehicle Owners and Drivers
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

What is the real world impact?

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Modernizes safety regulations for new technology

Updates how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) creates safety rules, helping it keep up with fast-changing technology like automated driving systems and electric vehicles. This ensures safety standards are not outdated.

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Increases industry input on safety ratings

Creates an advisory committee with significant representation from car manufacturers and tech companies to help guide the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This gives the industry a formal role in shaping how vehicle safety is rated and communicated to the public.

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Speeds up exemptions for new vehicle technology

Greatly increases the number of vehicles a manufacturer can sell under a safety exemption from 2,500 to 90,000. It also forces NHTSA to approve or deny exemption requests within one year, potentially allowing more new, unproven technologies on the road faster.

When does this start?

The bill sets multiple deadlines for different actions, starting 180 days after it becomes law.

Advisory committees established

Within 180 days, NHTSA must establish the NCAP Advisory Committee, a working group for consumer education on automation, and a Motor Vehicle Fire Rescue Working Group.

Guidance on safety exemptions

Within 1 year, NHTSA must issue guidance on the process for manufacturers to apply for safety standard exemptions.

First safety priority plan published

Within 2 years, NHTSA must publish its first comprehensive 3-year plan for motor vehicle safety rulemaking and research.

GAO study on NCAP reform

Within 3 years, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must submit a report evaluating the implementation of the New Car Assessment Program reforms.

Report on automated wheelchair systems

Within 3 years, NHTSA must report on its study into the feasibility of automated wheelchair securement systems in vehicles.