Federal Register #NHTSA-2026-0728

NHTSA Proposes FMVSS No. 135 Updates for Automated Driving System Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, which governs light vehicle brake systems. - Purpose: Modernize FMVSS No. 135 to address vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS), including those without manual driving controls - Key changes proposed: - Clarify definitions and applicability for vehicles with and without manually operated controls - Update requirements for brake system telltales (indicator lights) and performance - Revise and streamline test procedures for compliance - Remove outdated or obsolete sections of the standard - Maintain stopping distance requirements for all vehicles - No specific OEMs, vendors, or products are named in this notice - No procurement of goods or services is being requested; this is a regulatory proposal - Intended outcome: Reduce regulatory burden and costs for manufacturers, especially for ADS-equipped vehicles, while maintaining safety standards

Description

NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems," to distinguish how regulations apply to vehicles with and without manually operated driving controls. The proposed changes clarify definitions, telltale requirements, performance requirements, and test procedures, and remove sections no longer relevant. The stopping distance performance requirements will still apply to all subject vehicles. This rulemaking aims to remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs without compromising vehicle safety, particularly addressing Automated Driving Systems (ADS)-equipped vehicles without manual controls.

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