Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 establishes new requirements for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop and update a comprehensive safety rulemaking and research priority plan every two years. The bill reforms the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) by creating an NCAP Office led by an Associate Administrator and establishing an NCAP Advisory Committee with diverse stakeholders including manufacturers, safety organizations, and consumer advocates. It also mandates that NHTSA review motor vehicle safety standards every four years and creates a working group to improve consumer education about vehicle automation technologies. The legislation aims to modernize safety processes, enhance transparency about vehicle safety features, and better inform consumers about motor vehicle safety technologies.