About the Program

Introduction/Mission Statement

The goal of the Compliance Assistance Program is to help ensure that participants in the motor vehicle and equipment industry – especially new entrants and small manufacturers – have access to information and tools to fully understand and comply with their federal obligations. NHTSA’s Compliance Assistance Program will be transparent in providing the resources and education needed for entities to be successful, and will provide a direct channel for communication between commercial entities and NHTSA.

Program Contact Information

NHTSA’s Compliance Assistance Program site will continue to evolve over time. Current and prospective manufacturers may contact NHTSA for guidance on compliance issues at: NHTSAComplianceAssistance@dot.gov. NHTSA aims to provide quick, straight-forward responses to better direct entities toward the appropriate resources to help understand their obligations under federal law.

Additional Information / Disclaimers

Information provided through NHTSA’s Compliance Assistance Program is not official agency action or formal agency guidance. All requests and responses are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. Responses do not constitute legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Questions or requests concerning, but not limited to, the following information will not be answered through the Compliance Assistance Program but rather will be re-directed to the appropriate person: ongoing litigation, ongoing investigations or enforcement actions, information on third-parties with whom NHTSA may be involved, state compliance for grant/transfer/penalty programs, and requests for specific interpretations or agency determinations on applicability/meaning of statutes or regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

I started building something and I would like to know what, if any, NHTSA regulations and standards apply. Where should I start?

New manufacturers should consult NHTSA’s New Manufacturers Handbook for an overview of NHTSA’s regulations and standards. Additional information can also be found at https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations.

Can NHTSA help me title and register my vehicle?

NHTSA is not responsible for titling or registering motor vehicles or for regulating the operation of motor vehicles on public roads in the United States. That is instead the responsibility of the individual States. For assistance, please contact your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

I'm concerned that my small business might not be in full compliance with federal law and NHTSA’s regulations. What actions should I take?

Manufacturers of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment are encouraged to seek professional legal counsel to ensure you are meeting federal requirements.

I’m a start-up and need guidance from NHTSA, but want to ensure the information I share doesn’t benefit the competition. Will everything in my inquiry be made public?

All requests and responses are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552. You do have the option to submit a request for confidential treatment of confidential business information, if appropriate. Requests for confidential treatment are governed by 49 C.F.R. Part 512. For more information on the process, please contact Dan Rabinovitz in the Office of the Chief Counsel at Daniel.Rabinovitz@dot.gov.

Is there a charge or cost for this service?

There is no charge or cost for this service.

Additional resources

NHTSA Contacts

General Information to Assist New Manufacturers

NHTSA Manufacturer Help Desk, 888-399-3277
manufacturerinfo@dot.gov
https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Questions about Importing Motor Vehicles and Equipment

Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, Import and Certification Division, 202-366-5291
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

Questions about how to Designate a U.S. Resident as an Agent for Service of Process

Office of Chief Counsel, 202-366-1834
http://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/MfrPortal/

Questions about Defects and Recalls

Office of Defects Investigation, 202-366-5210
https://www.nhtsa.gov/resources-investigations-recalls

Questions about Early Warning Reporting (EWR)

Office of Defects Investigation, Early Warning Division, 202-366-4238
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-manufacturers/early-warning-reporting

Requests for Interpretation of NHTSA Statutes and Regulations

Office of Chief Counsel - Send your request in hard copy to:

Chief Counsel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, W41-326
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

You may also submit your request by fax at 202-366-3820.
To speak to someone at NHTSA about what a request for interpretation should include, you can call the Office of the Chief Counsel at 202-366-2992.

Information about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA Office
https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/foia

NHTSA General Contact Information

https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/contact-us

Compliance Assistance Program (CAP)