Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, April 13, 2026
There are several new rules of interest this week:
Opportunity to Collaborate
ADAS Incident Reporting - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes to streamline requirements and reduce reporting burdens relating to ADAS incident reporting. Comments are due May 4, 2026. If you are interested in collaborating on a possible comment, please contact Grant.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
New Rules
Drinking Water Contamination List (potential inclusion of PFAS and microplastics) - EPA proposes to add microplastics, some PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and pharmaceuticals to drinking water contaminant consideration list, which is a precursor to potential further regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Comments are due June 5, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
Labeling and Information Requests from new vehicle manufacturers - in four separate actions, NHTSA proposes to (1) adjust label information collection for new vehicle labels relating to brake fluid warning, glazing labeling, air bag warning labels, seat belt labeling, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel label, CNG fuel container labels, hydrogen fueled vehicle fueling label, and hydrogen fuel container labels; (2) adjust label information collection for platform lift systems; (3) reinstate information collection for interchangeability and performance specifications of replacable headlamp light sources; and (4) reinstate with modifications information collection from tire manufacturers and brand owners of grades for passenger car tire lines for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Comments are due June 8, 2026.
More Information: Label proposal; Platform Lift proposal; Headlamp light source proposal; Tire grade proposal
MSDS Reporting Information - EPA proposes to extend information request for reporting MSDS data. Comments are due June 8, 2026.
More Information: Proposed Rule
Ongoing Tracked Rules
Automated Vehicle Safety Standards – NHTSA proposes exemption from some motor vehicle safety standards (including wiper systems) for vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems that do not have manually operated driving controls. Comments are due April 15, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) Workplace Safety - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to extend inhalation monitoring compliance date to June 21, 2027 and timeline for other requirements, including providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to Sept. 20, 2027. Comments are due April 27, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
Automated Vehicle Safety Standards - NHTSA proposes to enable compliance with tire and load information placard requirement by affixing the required placard on the left side of the vehicle when there is not a ‘‘driver’s side’’ for vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) that do not have manually operated driving controls. Comments are due May 1, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
Risk Management Program - EPA proposes to adjust and reduce burdens of the Risk Management Program for hazardous chemical substances. Comments are due May 11, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
More Information: Transmission Display Rulemaking Docket; Wiper Blade and Defrosting Rulemaking Docket
Scrap Tire Management – EPA proposed to classify scrap tires as non-waste when burned in cement kilns. Comments are due May 22, 2026.
More Information: Rulemaking Docket
If you have questions about any of these items, please contact Grant MacIntyre, director, regulatory affairs and senior attorney, Auto Care Association, at grant.macintyre@autocare.org.
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Market Insights with Mike is a series presented by the Auto Care Association's Director of Market Intelligence, Mike Chung, that is dedicated to analyzing market-influencing trends as they happen and their potential effects on your business and the auto care industry.
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