Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the creation of a Compliance Assistance Program to help regulated entities, including vehicle and trailer manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and dealers, comply with safety regulations as a means to promote safety on our highways.  Regulated entities may not sell new vehicles or equipment that do not comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

"NHTSA seeks to promote safety through proactive and responsive engagement. In addition to vigilant enforcement, NHTSA also serves as a federal resource that small and large manufacturers can contact for guidance on federal regulations," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King.  "A transparent partnership with manufacturers assures the development of safe, reliable vehicles and equipment."

NHTSA tests and monitors important vehicle components like brakes, tires, air bags, child seats, seat belts and headlights to ensure they are compliant with FMVSS. NHTSA's Office of the Chief Counsel issues interpretations on various legal issues. The new compliance assistance program will help NHTSA achieve the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicles by providing informal compliance guidance, to current and prospective manufacturers.

Regulated entities can contact NHTSA for guidance on compliance issues at NHTSAComplianceAssistance@dot.gov and visit NHTSA’s website for details.