US FederalWhat safety standards must vehicles on US roads meet?
All motor vehicles sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the U.S. must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) established under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
What the Law Says
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act is the foundational federal law that authorizes the creation and enforcement of mandatory safety standards for motor vehicles and equipment in the United States.
Under this law, the Secretary of Transportation is directed to establish motor vehicle safety standards that are 'practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and are stated in objective terms.' These standards—known as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)—cover design, construction, performance, and durability requirements for vehicles and related equipment.
The law applies to all new motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment manufactured or imported for sale in the U.S., and it prohibits manufacturers from selling, offering for sale, introducing, or importing noncompliant vehicles or equipment.
Statutory TextThe purpose of this chapter is to reduce traffic accidents and deaths and injuries to persons resulting from traffic accidents.
— 49 U.S.C. § 30101 — Purpose and policy
What to Do
Ensure any new vehicle or equipment complies with all applicable FMVSS before sale or import.
Verify compliance through NHTSA-certified testing and manufacturer self-certification.
Report safety-related defects immediately to NHTSA under the Early Warning Reporting rule.
Cooperate with NHTSA investigations and recalls if noncompliance or defects are identified.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.