Laws & Regulations | NHTSA (2024)

FAQs

Who regulates cars in the US? ›

As a Federal agency, NHTSA regulates the safety of motor vehicles and related equipment.

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are U.S. federal vehicle regulations specifying design, construction, performance, and durability requirements for motor vehicles and regulated automobile safety-related components, systems, and design features.

The safety standards are divided into three categories: crash avoidance, crashworthiness, and post-crash survivability.

Complaints. Consumers who experience a vehicle issue that could be a safety defect are encouraged to file a complaint with NHTSA. Complaints can be filed through NHTSA.gov or by calling NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

To report the misuse or reckless driving of a government vehicle, email howsmydriving@gsa.gov and provide the following information: Do keep the vehicle, charge card, and keys safe to protect against damage, theft, or misuse. Keep the card in a secure place. Do not store the card in the vehicle.

The CARS Rule prohibits misrepresentations about material information. The CARS Rule requires dealers to clearly disclose the offering price – the actual price anyone can pay to get the car. The CARS Rule makes it illegal to charge consumers for add-ons that don't provide a benefit.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (“Safety Act”) (49 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.) authorizes NHTSA to issue safety standards for new motor vehicles and new items of motor vehicle equipment.

Driver licensing and vehicle registration in the United States are handled by the state government in all states but Hawaii, where local governments perform DMV functions.

They are usually mandated by legislation, and administered by a government body. The regulations concern aspects such as lighting, controls, crashworthiness, environment protection and theft protection, and might include safety belts or automated features.

You should always keep three items in your car. Your vehicle registration and proof of insurance can stay in the glove box or someplace else where they will be easy to find and hard to lose. Your driver's license is the third thing, and that should stay on you any time you are in a car.

What are the 3 keys to safe driving? ›

This program discusses three key elements of a safe driving strategy that allow vehicle operators to navigate safely through this ever-changing and potentially hazardous environment: Prepare; Anticipate; and Defend.

NHTSA issues vehicle safety standards and requires manufacturers to recall vehicles and equipment that have safety-related defects. Learn about NHTSA's recall process.

Once you have entered your VIN on the NHTSA recall page, if your vehicle has no unrepaired recalls, you'll see a message that says, "0 Unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN." That means your car is good to go.

Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed. Other types of vehicle programs, called Customer Satisfaction Programs, typically have expiration dates and/or mileage limitations.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (“Safety Act”) (49 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.) authorizes NHTSA to issue safety standards for new motor vehicles and new items of motor vehicle equipment.

Overview. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and EPA are the primary agencies that regulate the automotive industry.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for keeping people safe on America's roadways. Through enforcing vehicle performance standards and partnerships with state and local governments, NHTSA reduces deaths, injuries and economic losses from motor vehicle crashes.