Sponsors (5)
The bill increases ADAS safety, transparency, and repairability by mandating standardized definitions, data-sharing, and test protocols—but does so at the cost of added compliance burdens, potential limits on lawful vehicle customization, regulatory complexity for small businesses, and new administrative demands on NHTSA.
Drivers, passengers, and vehicle owners will face lower ADAS-related crash risk because the bill requires standardized calibration, test protocols, and guidance on allowable tolerances that improve ADAS performance after repairs or modifications.
Vehicle owners and independent repair shops gain clearer, actionable information—including manufacturer tolerance/sensitivity data (within 30 days) and standard test protocols—making it easier to verify and maintain ADAS functionality after service or modification.
Independent aftermarket businesses get statutory recognition and a consistent regulatory frame (e.g., definition of 'independent automotive aftermarket' and a referenced ADAS level standard), which can support fairer access and predictable treatment in the marketplace.
Independent repair shops, modifiers, and small aftermarket businesses will likely incur significant new compliance costs (equipment, training, certification) to meet calibration and testing requirements; manufacturers face potential civil penalties that could raise vehicle prices or delay vehicle releases.
Stricter allowable-modification limits (ride height, wheel/tire dimensions, etc.) could restrict lawful customization, limiting consumer choice and harming vehicle-enthusiast communities and some small modifiers.
Reliance on external standards (SAE J3016), cross-references to multiple U.S.C. sections, and delegating adoption to the Secretary create regulatory complexity and uncertainty that small dealers and shops may struggle to navigate.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Directs NHTSA to issue guidelines and a study to ensure ADAS and vehicle dynamic systems on passenger vehicles (model year 2028+) retain functionality after modifications, including tolerances, calibration, and testing.
Introduced December 12, 2025 by Diana Harshbarger · Last progress December 12, 2025
Requires the Department of Transportation (through NHTSA) to create enforceable guidelines, within 24 months, ensuring advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicle dynamic systems on passenger cars (model year 2028 and later) keep working after modifications or customizations. It also requires manufacturers to supply tolerance and sensitivity information soon after vehicle release, sets calibration and test-protocol requirements, allows independent lab validation, and subjects noncompliant manufacturers to civil penalties. The bill also directs NHTSA to deliver a study to Congress within 12 months assessing feasibility, costs, and technical needs for these guidelines, with stakeholder consultations and defined technical terms.