US FederalWhat safety standards must a new vehicle meet before it can be sold in the US?
A new vehicle sold in the U.S. must comply with all applicable 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 establishes the legal foundation for vehicle safety regulation in the United States.
Under federal law, every new motor vehicle offered for sale in the U.S. must conform to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards cover crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and post-crash survivability — including requirements for seat belts, air bags, brakes, lighting, tires, and electronic stability control.
The Act empowers the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue, amend, and enforce these standards. Manufacturers must certify that each vehicle meets all applicable FMVSS before delivery to a dealer or buyer.
Noncompliance can trigger recalls, civil penalties, and liability for injuries or deaths caused by safety defects.
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
Confirm the vehicle bears a manufacturer's certification label stating compliance with all applicable FMVSS.
Verify the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN and check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Review NHTSA’s safety ratings (5-Star Program) for crash test results.
Report potential safety defects to NHTSA via safercar.gov or 1-888-327-4236.
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.