Motor Vehicle Modernization Act

Summary#

This bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update and modernize its motor vehicle safety programs. It requires NHTSA to publish a 36-month rulemaking and research priority plan and to review existing vehicle safety standards regularly. The bill creates an Office of the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) led by an Associate Administrator, establishes an NCAP Advisory Committee, and requires a voluntary manufacturer performance testing process and consumer education activities. It changes some exemption rules for vehicle approvals, sets deadlines for exemption decisions, and allows modern recall notifications (including electronic mail). The bill also directs multiple studies and working groups on topics such as recall rates, consumer education on vehicle automation, average vehicle age and ownership costs, VIN modernization, automated wheelchair securement systems, and motor vehicle fire rescue. It requires improved project schedule management practices, adds reporting and accountability steps for rulemakings, and makes certain research activities exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act.

What it means for you#

• NHTSA must publish a public priority plan every 2 years listing planned safety rulemakings and research for the next 36 months.
• A new NCAP Office will lead consumer education and voluntary manufacturer testing and advise which safety technologies are included in NCAP ratings.
• Recall notices may be sent by certified mail, email, or other electronic means if allowed by the Secretary, and manufacturers must follow owner preferences for certified mail when requested.
• The bill requires studies and reports that may produce recommendations on vehicle age, ownership costs, VIN updates, wheelchair securement, and first-responder access to vehicles after crashes.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs, appropriations, or funding sources is included in the bill text provided.

Proponents' View#

The bill's text outlines goals to modernize NHTSA operations, improve transparency and planning for rulemaking and research, strengthen the NCAP to provide consumer information, update recall and notification procedures, and study specific safety and technology topics (for example, automated vehicles, VIN modernization, and wheelchair securement). It also seeks to improve rulemaking project management and to create advisory groups and working groups to provide expertise and recommendations.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.