Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 135 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems." The proposed modifications would distinguish how regulations apply to vehicles with and without manually operated driving controls. The proposed modifications would clarify definitions, telltale requirements, performance requirements, and test procedures in the standard and remove sections that are no longer relevant. The stopping distance performance requirements, which address the primary safety purpose of the standard, would still apply to all subject vehicles. This rulemaking would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs without detriment to vehicle safety.
What this item does
The short version, using the agency's own summary text.
NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems." The proposed modifications would distinguish how regulations apply to vehicles with and without manually operated driving controls. The proposed modifications would clarify definitions, telltale requirements, performance requirements, and test procedures in the standard and remove sections that are no longer relevant. The stopping distance performance requirements, which address the primary safety purpose of the standard, would still apply to all subject vehicles. This rulemaking would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs without detriment to vehicle safety.
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Important dates
The dates that matter most for this item.
Published
June 26, 2026
Comment deadline
July 27, 2026
Federal rulebook sections mentioned
These are the parts of the Code of Federal Regulations cited in the filing.