ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 10, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to enhance vehicle safety by establishing federal guidelines and calibration standards to ensure Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remain functional and safe even after vehicles are modified or customized.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop and publish guidelines for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, modifications, and tolerances for passenger motor vehicles model year 2028 and later. It requires these guidelines to ensure ADAS functionality is maintained after vehicle modifications and specifies that they must be based on empirical data and leverage existing safety methodologies. The bill also requires NHTSA to conduct a study on the feasibility and cost of developing these guidelines and establishes civil penalties for non-compliant manufacturers.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for public safety as ADAS become increasingly common, ensuring these vital safety systems continue to operate correctly even after vehicle modifications. They emphasize the need for clear, data-driven standards to prevent malfunctions, protect consumers, and provide a consistent framework for both vehicle manufacturers and the independent automotive aftermarket to safely service and customize vehicles.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that establishing such detailed guidelines could be overly burdensome for manufacturers and the independent aftermarket, potentially stifling innovation or increasing costs for consumers. They could also argue that defining specific 'allowable modification ranges' might be technically challenging and could inadvertently limit consumer choice or the scope of vehicle customization.
The bill is concise, allowing for a quick read, but its technical nature requires careful attention to detail for full comprehension of its implications.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of ADAS Modification and Calibration Guidelines
This section mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop and publish guidelines within 24 months for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and vehicle dynamic systems in passenger motor vehicles from model year 2028 onwards. These guidelines must ensure ADAS functionality is maintained after vehicle modifications, covering aspects like ride height, wheel/tire dimensions, static geometry, physical displacement, and sensor/camera function. Manufacturers are also required to provide relevant vehicle tolerance and system sensitivity information.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of ADAS in an evolving automotive landscape where vehicle modifications are common. It provides clarity for manufacturers and the aftermarket, ultimately protecting consumers by ensuring critical safety systems remain functional.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that defining 'allowable modification ranges and tolerances' could be overly restrictive, potentially limiting vehicle customization options or imposing significant compliance costs on manufacturers and the aftermarket without sufficient flexibility.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the consumer desire for vehicle customization with the critical safety requirements of advanced driver assistance systems. It also navigates the tension between comprehensive regulatory oversight and industry flexibility in design and service.
Section 2(c) and 2(d)
Data-Driven Guidelines and NCAP Integration
This provision mandates that NHTSA's guidelines must be based on empirical data derived from dynamic testing, independent research, and public data sources. Furthermore, the calibration procedures within these guidelines must reference or expand upon methodologies established by the United States New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), including a standardized scoring scale for calibration effectiveness and transparent validation criteria applicable across vehicle platforms.
Section 2(e)
Civil Penalties for Non-Compliance
This section stipulates that manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles or equipment that do not meet the guidelines issued by NHTSA under this Act will be subject to the civil penalties described under section 30165(a) of title 49, United States Code. This provides a clear enforcement mechanism for the new ADAS safety standards.
Section 3
ADAS Modification Ranges and Tolerances Study
Within 12 months of enactment, NHTSA is required to complete a study and submit a report to Congress. This study will assess the safety needs, feasibility, capability, and cost for NHTSA to develop and maintain industry guidelines for ADAS functionality in modified or customized passenger vehicles (model year 2028 and later). The study will consider various aspects of vehicle tolerance, modification ranges, calibration procedures, and test protocols, with stakeholder consultation.