Vehicle type approval in the United States is a crucial regulatory process that ensures the safety, emissions, and overall compliance of vehicles with established standards. This comprehensive system is designed to safeguard consumers, protect the environment, and maintain a high level of road safety. The type approval process in the USA involves a combination of federal and state regulations, with several key aspects governing the approval of vehicles for use on American roads.
In conclusion, vehicle type approval in the United States is a multifaceted process that involves collaboration between federal and state agencies. This comprehensive approach ensures that vehicles on American roads meet stringent safety and environmental standards, contributing to the well-being of both consumers and the environment. Manufacturers navigating this regulatory landscape must carefully adhere to these standards to bring their vehicles to the U.S. market successfully.
(not all FMVSS are included; status January 2024)
101 Controls and Displays
102 Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect
103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems
104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems
105 Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems
106 Brake Hoses
108 Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment
110 Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs.) or Less
111 Rearview Mirrors
113 Hood Latch System
114 Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention
116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids
118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems
119 New Pneumatic Tires for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs.)
120 Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs.)
121 Air Brake Systems
124 Accelerator Control Systems
125 Warning Devices
126 Electronic Stability Control Systems
131 School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices
135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems
136 Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles
138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
139 New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles
141 Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact
202a Head Restraints
203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System
204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement
205 Glazing Materials
206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components
207 Seating Systems
208 Occupant Crash Protection
209 Seat Belt Assemblies
210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
212 Windshield Mounting
213 Child Restraint Systems
213b
214 Side Impact Protection
216a Roof Crush Resistance Upgraded Standard
217 Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release
219 Windshield Zone Intrusion
220 School Bus Rollover Protection
221 School Bus Body Joint Strength
222 School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection
223 Rear Impact Guards
224 Rear Impact Protection
225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems
226 Ejection Mitigation
301 Fuel System Integrity
302 Flammability of Interior Materials
303 Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles
304 Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity
305 Electric-Powered Vehicles, Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection
403 Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles
404 Platform Lift Installations in Motor Vehicles
500 Low-speed Vehicles
On March 20, 2024, the EPA unveiled new, more stringent final standards aimed at further diminishing harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, commencing with the model year 2027. This final rule builds upon the EPA’s previously established federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026, set in 2021. Leveraging advancements in clean car technology, these standards aim to deliver a spectrum of benefits to Americans, including enhanced public health by curbing emissions that contribute to smog and soot formation, mitigating climate pollution, and providing drivers with cost savings through reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. These standards will be implemented gradually across model years 2027 through 2032.
Below is a list of all regulations related to GHG emissions from light-duty passenger cars and trucks, as per EPA:
Regulation Title | Regulation Date (Year/Month) |
The Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Proposed Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 | 2018/09 |
Technical Correction to the Flex-fuel Vehicle Provisions in CAFE Regulations Direct Final Rule with Companion Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | 2020/07 |
Small Volume Manufacturers Alternative GHG Standards Final Determinations | 2020/06 |
Small Volume Manufacturer Alternative GHG Standards Draft Determinations | 2019/07 |
Proposed Rule: Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles | 2023/04 |
Proposed Rule to Revise Existing National GHG emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks through model year 2026 | 2021/08 |
Proposed Rule for Technical Amendments to the Light-duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Program | 2018/09 |
Notice of Reconsideration of a Previous Withdrawal of a Waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Car Program (Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Zero Emission Vehicle Requirements) | 2021/04 |
Midterm Evaluation of Light-duty Vehicle GHG Emissions Standards for Model Years 2022-2025 | 2018/04 |
Final Rule: The Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles for Model Years 2021-2026 | 2020/04 |
Final Rule: One National Program on Federal Preemption of State Fuel Economy Standards | 2019/09 |
Final Rule: Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles | 2024/03 |
Final Rule: Light-duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Program Technical Amendments | 2020/04 |
Final Rule to Revise Existing National GHG emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks through model year 2026 | 2021/12 |
Final Rule for Model Year 2017 and Later Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards | 2012/10 |
Final Rule for Model Year 2012 – 2016 Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards | 2010/05 |
Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act | 2009/12 |
E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicle Weighting Factor (F-factor) for Model Years 2021 and Later Vehicles | 2020/08 |
California GHG Waiver Request | 2009/06 |