Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Tuesday, May 26, 2026

There are several new actions of interest this week:

New Rules and Actions

Workforce Pell - The Department of Education issued final rules implementing the workforce pell grant program, including approval processes at the state and federal level. For more details, see earlier Advocacy in Action blog post.

More Information: Final Rule

Light-duty and Medium-duty Vehicle Emission Standards - EPA proposes to extend start date for Tier 4 emission standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles to MY29 and plans to propose changes to Tier 4 standards in a forthcoming rulemaking. There are public hearings on June 3 and June 4. Comments are due July 6, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

EDR Pre-crash Data - NHTSA finalized phased-in requirements for EDR pre-crash data. Small-volume and limited data manufacturers have until Sep. 1, 2032 to comply. Most others have phased-in compliance starting Sep. 1, 2028 with full compliance due Sep. 1, 2031.

More Information: Final Rule

Ongoing Tracked Rules

Brake System Exemption - NHTSA requests comment on an application for temporary exemption from safety rules for a brake system that pulses the required rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level intensity 4 times in 2 seconds when the brakes are applied, and then returns the lights to a steady- burning state while the brakes remain engaged. Comments are due May 28, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Action

Rearview Mirror System Exemption - NHTSA requests comment on an application for temporary exemption from safety rules for a camera-based rear-view mirror system on CMVs. Comments are due June 1, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Action

Drinking Water Contamination List (potential inclusion of PFAS and microplastics) - EPA proposes to add microplastics, some Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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 replaceable 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 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) data. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Consumer Product Recall Fraud - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is gathering comments regarding the impact of recall fraud on businesses. Comments are due June 15, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule