Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, would strengthen motor vehicle safety while modernizing the automotive industry. The bill would establish a dedicated New Car Assessment Program office within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, create an advisory committee with supplier representation, and direct the agency to address outstanding congressionally mandated safety rules. It would also grant authority to conduct public-road testing of vehicle technologies to accelerate innovation and improve safety outcomes.

The bill addresses several specific safety concerns, including electric vehicle battery fire risks and improvements to vehicle fire rescue capabilities for first responders. It would modernize recall notification procedures, improve consumer education on advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles, and establish guidelines for proper calibration of these systems when vehicles are modified. The legislation also includes provisions for studying vehicle ownership trends, automated wheelchair securement systems, and modernizing vehicle identification numbers.