To promote safety on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a compliance assistance program to help regulated entities – including vehicle and trailer manufacturers – and equipment manufacturers comply with safety regulations, according to an announcement.
Regulated entities may not sell 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,” says Heidi King, NHTSA deputy administrator. “In addition to vigilant enforcement, NHTSA also serves as a federal resource that small and large manufacturers can contact for guidance on federal regulations. 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, the NHTSA says.
