Vehicle type approval,
automotive regulations
and vehicle requirements
in the USA

USA FMVSS vehicle reguations

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.

  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The primary federal agency responsible for vehicle type approval in the United States is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, covering a wide range of aspects such as crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and fuel economy. The agency works to ensure that vehicles comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), which are established to enhance the safety of motor vehicles and road users.
  2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): In addition to safety standards, vehicle emissions are a significant consideration in the type approval process. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees emissions standards and regulations, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles. The EPA’s involvement ensures that vehicles meet emission limits and do not harm air quality.
  3. California Air Resources Board (CARB): California, as a leader in environmental regulations, has additional requirements for vehicles sold and operated within the state. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) sets emissions standards that often exceed federal requirements. Many manufacturers seek CARB certification in addition to federal certification to ensure their vehicles can be sold in the lucrative California market.
  4. Safety Compliance Testing: NHTSA conducts safety compliance testing to verify that vehicles meet the established safety standards. This involves rigorous testing of various vehicle components, including crash tests, to assess the vehicle’s performance in real-world scenarios. Vehicles must pass these tests to receive NHTSA’s approval for use on U.S. roads.
  5. Fuel Economy Standards: The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards set by NHTSA regulate the fuel efficiency of vehicles. These standards aim to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturers must meet CAFE standards, which vary based on the type of vehicles they produce, to receive type approval.
  6. Importing Vehicles: Importing vehicles into the United States involves additional considerations. The Vehicle Importation and Certification System (VICS) managed by NHTSA ensures that imported vehicles conform to U.S. safety standards. The EPA also requires imported vehicles to meet emissions standards, and non-compliance may result in modifications or even rejection of the vehicle.
  7. Ongoing Compliance: Once a vehicle receives type approval, manufacturers must continue to adhere to regulations. Recalls and updates may be required if safety issues arise, and ongoing monitoring ensures that vehicles on the road maintain compliance throughout their lifecycle.
  8. Consumer Information: To empower consumers, NHTSA provides safety ratings and information about vehicles through initiatives like the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This information aids consumers in making informed decisions about the safety of the vehicles they intend to purchase.

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.

FMVSS

(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

Emissions from passenger cars and trucks

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.

List of Related Regulations

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

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