House Advances Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 for Full Vote

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, advancing it to the House floor for a vote. Five major initiatives within the act impact independent shop owners: Right to Repair, ADAS, EV Safety and Standards, Modernized Recalls and VIN, and Connected Vehicle Privacy for Survivors. The act also includes a ban on importing any vehicles made by a manufacturer "controlled by a foreign adversary," restrictions on advertisements related to automated driving systems, updates to pedestrian safety measures, and more.

Right to Repair

At the forefront is Right to Repair, which codifies the Memorandums of Understanding for light-duty and commercial vehicles. The FTC will be empowered to treat manufacturer violations as unfair or deceptive business practices and penalize them as such. The FTC will also launch a study investigating the use of technological or legal barriers to restrict independent shops from accessing in-vehicle data, using aftermarket parts, or operating diagnostic tools.

ADAS

The Specialty Equipment and Manufacturers Association-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act was rolled into the greater Motor Vehicle Modernization Act. It orders an impact study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the 10 most common legal vehicle modifications and the impact those modifications have on driver assistance systems. Furthermore, based on empirical dynamic testing, the NHTSA may establish official industry guidelines for performing ADAS calibrations on a vehicle with aftermarket modifications. 

EV Safety and Standards

The bill aims to facilitate new safety and component standards for vehicle manufacturers and service facilities, including: 

• Automatic Emergency Braking that can detect and respond to motorcyclists and bicyclists in day and night conditions will be considered a basic standard of safety.
• Mechanical Door Latches must be readily accessible and usable without power on vehicles with electronic door latches.
• Tire Testing rules regarding tire strength and bead unseating will be removed for modern light truck tires, and visual evidence of tread breaking away from the tire will officially count as a tire endurance failure.
• Lithium-Ion Batteries will receive new safety standards with a working group exploring battery fire suppression methods, thermal runaway mitigation, and standardized fuel-type labeling.

Modernized Recalls and VIN

The act allows vehicle owners to opt in to receiving recall notices via electronic means to encourage a more prompt response. The NHTSA will also evaluate ways to modernize the Vehicle Identification Number system to include specific vehicle attributes. 

Connected Vehicle Privacy for Survivors

Finally, the act allows survivors of domestic abuse to securely request that a manufacturer disable an abuser's remote access, including any tracking or control functionality, to a vehicle within two business days.

What People Are Saying

"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket, and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs, and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look forward to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Trump."