Laws & Regulations
Guidance Documents
Overview
NHTSA issues guidance documents that may clarify existing legal obligations to help regulated entities and the public understand the statutes administered by NHTSA and NHTSA's regulations. The term "guidance document" refers to a statement of agency policy or interpretation concerning a statute, regulation, or technical matter within the jurisdiction of an agency that is intended to have general applicability and future effect, but which is not intended to have the force or effect of law in its own right, unless expressly authorized by law or incorporated into a contract.
Guidance Documents
Quick Links
Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety
Enforcement Guidance Bulletins
National Center for Statistics and Analysis
Uniform Guidelines for State Highway Safety...
Alcohol Measuring Devices
- Highway Safety Programs; Model Specifications for Devices to Measure Breath Alcohol, 58 FR 48705, September 17, 1993
- Highway Safety Programs; Model Specifications for Screening; Devices to Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids, 73 FR 16956, March 31, 2008
- Highway Safety Programs; Model Specifications for Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Testers; Conforming Products List of Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Testers, 72 FR 34742, June 15, 2007
- Highway Safety Programs; Conforming Products List of Evidential Breath Alcohol Measurement Devices, 82 FR 50940, November 2, 2017
- Highway Safety Programs; Conforming Products List of Screening Devices To Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids, 77 FR 35745, June 14, 2012
- Highway Safety Programs; Conforming Products List of Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Testers, 77 FR 64588, October 22, 2012
Distracted Driving
- U.S. DOT/NHTSA – Guidelines for Reducing Visual-Manual Driver Distraction during Interactions with Integrated, In-Vehicle, Electronic Devices Version 1.01, September 2014
- Visual-Manual Driver Distraction Guidelines Test Procedures – Task Acceptance Testing Occlusion and Eye Glance Measurement Using Driving Simulator Testing, August 1, 2019
- Explanatory Material About the Definition of a Task Used in NHTSA's Driver Distraction Guidelines, and Task Examples, DOT HS 811 858, November 2013
- Understanding the Effects of Distracted Driving and Developing Strategies to Reduce Resulting Deaths and Injuries, A Report to Congress, DOT HS 812 053, December 2013
- Investigation and Prosecution of Distracted Driving Cases, DOT HS 812 407, May 2017
- Evaluation of NHTSA Distracted Driving Demonstration Projects in Connecticut and New York, DOT HS 811 635, March 2014
- Four High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Waves in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use, DOT HS 811 845, July 2011
- High Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Programs in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use, DOT HS 811 376, September 2010
- National Phone Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors, DOT HS 811 555, December 2011
- Evaluation of the NHTSA Distracted Driving High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Projects in California and Delaware, DOT HS 812 108, January 2015
- Process Overview of the High-Visibility Enforcement Programs Targeting Handheld Device Users in California and Delaware, DOT HS 812 109, January 2015
- Field and Simulator Evaluations of a PC-Based Attention Maintenance Training Program, DOT HS 811 469, July 2011
Drowsy Driving
- Assessing the Feasibility of Vehicle-Based Sensors to Detect Drowsy Driving, DOT HS 811 886, February 2014
- Sleep Disorders Fact Sheet for Medical Professionals, January 2013
- Asleep at the Wheel – A National Compendium of Efforts to Eliminate Drowsy Driving, DOT HS 812 352, March 2017
- School Start Times and Teenage Driver Motor Vehicle Crashes, DOT HS 812 221, December 2015
Emergency Medical Services
- National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019, DOT HS 812 666, February 2019
- The CPR LifeLinks Implementation Toolkit
- EMS Agenda 2050: A People-Centered Vision for the Future of Emergency Medical Services, DOT HS 812 664, January 2019
- EMS Agenda 2050 Infographic
- EMS Agenda 2050 Guide to the Vision
- EMS Agenda for the Future
- EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach
- EMS Workforce Agenda for the Future, DOT HS 811 473, May 2011
- Star of Life – Background, Specifications, and Criteria, DOT HS 808 721, June 1995
- Rapid Process for Emergent Changes to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, September 1, 2018
- National EMS Scope of Practice Model, DOT HS 810 657, February 2007
- National EMS Core Content, DOT HS 809 898, July 2005
- 1996 EMD Program Implementation and Administration: NSC
- Beyond EMS Data Collection: Envisioning an Information-Driven Future for Emergency Medical Services, DOT HS 812 361, December 2016
- A Leadership Guide to Quality Improvement for Emergency Medical Service Systems
- Guide for Interfacility Patient Transfer, DOT HS 810 599, April 2006
- Trauma System – Agenda for the Future, DOT HS 809 675, March 2004
- Report to Congress: Emergency Communications Centers and the Role of Communications Technologies in Reducing Mortality Rates in the Rural U.S., January 15, 2016
- Guidelines for the Use and Availability of Helicopter Emergency Medical Transport (HEMS), April 2015
- National Implementation of the Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Incident Triage, DOT HS 811 891, March 2014
- Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Incident Triage: Addendum to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Instructional Guidelines, DOT HS 812 457a, December 2017
- Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Incident Triage: Addendum to the Emergency Medical Responder Instructional Guidelines, DOT HS 812 457b, December 2017
- Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Incident Triage: Addendum to the Paramedic Instructional Guidelines, DOT HS 812 457d, December 2017
- Emergency Medical Technician Instructional Guidelines, DOT HS 811 077D, January 2009
- National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards, Paramedic Instructional Guidelines, DOT HS 811 077E, January 2009
- Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: Recommendations for Protocol Development for 9-1-1 Personnel and Public Safety Answering Points, DOT HS 810 776, May 2007
- EMS Pandemic Influenza Guidelines for Statewide Adoption, DOT HS 810 776, May 2007
- National EMS Research Agenda, December 31, 2001
- National EMS Assessment, 2011, DOT HS 811 723, December 2012
- EMS Performance Measures: Recommended Attributes and Indicators, DOT HS 811 211, December 2009
- Working Group Best-Practice Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Emergency Ground Ambulances, DOT HS 811 677, September 2012
- Lights and Siren Use by EMS, May 2017
Enforcement Guidance Bulletins
- NHTSA Enforcement Guidance Bulletin 2015-01: Recommended Best Practices for Protective Orders and Settlement Agreements in Civil Litigation, March 2016
- NHTSA Enforcement Guidance Bulletin 2016-01: Guidance on Submission and Treatment of Manufacturer Communications to Dealers, Owners, or Purchasers About a Defect or Noncompliance, March 2016
- NHTSA Enforcement Guidance Bulletin 2016-02: Safety-Related Defects and Automated Safety Technologies, September 2016
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Laboratory Test Procedures
- The laboratory test procedures for all of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards can be found on this website.
General Highway Safety
Highway Safety Grant Programs
- Sports Marketing Guidance, December 15, 2011
- Buy America Act Guidance, November 16, 2015
- Use of NHTSA Highway Safety Grant Funds for Certain Purchases, May 18, 2016
- Funding Motorcycle Helmet Surveys, June 26, 2018
- NHTSA HSP Amendment Process Upload Options, August 15, 2018
- NHTSA HSP Amendment Review Implementation, August 15, 2018
- Final External 405c Program Clarification, January 29, 2019
- Non-Federal Share (Match) Guidance, August 13, 2019
- Paying for Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Activities Guidance, August 12, 2019
- Notice of Buy America Waiver, June 30, 2015
- Buy America Act Memo, November 9, 2011
- Questions and Answers
- Webinars
- Update Observational Seat Belt Survey Site Selection, December 15, 2015
- Supercircular, June 4, 2016
- FY18 State Grant Application Overview Part I, February 23, 2017
- FY18 State Grant Application Overview Part II, April 27, 2017
- FY19 State Grant Application Overview, February 28, 2018
- GMSS-GHSA How To Webinar, June 26, 2018
- Fraud Detection and Prevention, January 22, 2020
- Performance Management Webinar, February 19, 2020
Impaired Driving
- Ignition Interlocks – A Toolkit for Program Administrators, Policymakers, and Stakeholders, 2nd Edition, DOT HS 811 883, November 26, 2019
- DWI History of Fatally Injured Pedestrians, DOT HS 812 748, June 2019
- An Evaluation of Intensive Supervision Programs for Serious DWI Offenders, DOT HS 811 446, March 2011
- Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Manual, 2nd Edition, DOT HS 812 313, September 2016
- Understanding and Messaging to At Risk Drivers, June 2007
- Determining the Effectiveness of Flexible Checkpoints, DOT HS 812 421, May 2017
- Examination of the Feasibility of Alcohol Interlocks for Motorcycles, DOT HS 812 423, June 2017
- Changes to Puerto Rico Motorcycle Rider Law, DOT HS 812 397, April 2017
- New Mexico's Comprehensive Impaired-Driving Program: Crash Data Analysis, DOT HS 811 985, March 2014
- Evaluation of State Ignition Interlock Programs: Interlock Use Analyses From 28 States, 2006-2011, DOT HS 812 145, May 2015
- An Evaluation of the Three Georgia DUI Courts, February 2011
- Determine Reasons For Repeat Drinking and Driving, DOT HS 808 401, May 1996
- Evaluation of the Washington State Target Zero Teams Project, DOT HS 812 097, January 2015
- Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk: A Case-Control Study, DOT HS 812 355, December 2016
- Understanding the Limitations of Drug Test Information, Reporting, and Testing Practices in Fatal Crashes, DOT HS 812 072, November 2014
- State Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Testing and Reporting for Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes: Current Practices, Results, and Strategies, 1997-2009, DOT HS 811 661, August 2012
- Drugged Driving Expert Panel Report: A Consensus Protocol for Assessing the Potential of Drugs to Impair Driving, DOT HS 811 438, March 2011
- Marijuana-Impaired Driving, A Report to Congress, DOT HS 812 440, July 2017
- Drug-Impaired Driving: Understanding the Problem and Ways to Reduce It, DOT HS 811 268, December 2009
- Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Toolkit: A Guide to Assist Law Enforcement Agencies With Planning and Implementing a Phlebotomy Program, March 28, 2019
- Best Practices for Implementing a State Judicial Outreach Liaison Program, March 25, 2019
- Impaired-Driving Leadership Model – Findings Based on Three State Case Studies, DOT HS 812 516, October 2018
- Marijuana, Other Drugs, and Alcohol Use by Drivers in Washington State, DOT HS 812 299, July 2016
- Multiple Medications and Vehicle Crashes: Analysis of Databases, DOT HS 810 858, May 2008
- Creating Impaired Driving General Deterrence: Eight Case Studies of Sustained, High-Visibility, Impaired-Driving Enforcement, DOT HS 809 950, March 2006
- The Criminal Justice System: A Guide for Law Enforcement Officers and Expert Witnesses in Impaired Driving Cases, DOT HS 810 707, February 2007
- Cross-Examination for Prosecutors, DOT HS 811 671, November 2012
- DWI Prosecutor's Handbook, DOT HS 810 864, December 2007
- Prosecutors Working with Victim Advocate Groups, DOT HS 811 244, June 2010
- A Guide to Sentencing DWI Offenders, 2nd Edition, DOT HS 810 555, January 2006
- Implementing a Citizen's DWI Reporting Program Using the Extra Eyes Model, DOT HS 811 038, September 2008
- Strategies for Addressing the DWI Offender, 10 Promising Sentencing Practices, DOT HS 809 850, March 2005
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: The Science and the Law, A Resource Guide for Judges, Prosecutors and Law Enforcement, September 1999
- A Guide for Local Impaired-Driving Task Forces, Volume I: Final Report, DOT HS 811 460a, October 2011
- A Guide for Local Impaired-Driving Task Forces, Volume II: Local Task Force Case Studies, DOT HS 811 460b, October 2011
- Increasing Impaired-Driving Enforcement Visibility: Six Case Studies, DOT HS 811 716, February 2013
- DWI Recidivism in the United States: An Examination of State-Level Driver Data and the Effect of Look-Back Periods on Recidivism Prevalence, DOT HS 811 991, March 2014
- The Visual Detection of DWI Motorists, DOT HS 808 677, March 2010
- New Mexico's Comprehensive Impaired-Driving Program: A Case Study, DOT HS 811 986, March 2014
- New Mexico's Comprehensive Impaired-Driving Program: Crash Data Analysis, DOT HS 811 985, March 2014
- Evaluation of the Checkpoint Strikeforce Program, DOT HS 811 056, November 2008
- Alcohol and Highway Safety: Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Problems as a Community Approach to Improving Traffic Safety, DOT HS 811 836, September 2013
- Seat Belt, DWI, and Other Traffic Violations Among Recent Immigrants in Florida and Tennessee, DOT HS 811 761, May 2013
- More Cops More Stops: Evaluation of a Combined Enforcement Program in Oklahoma and Tennessee, DOT HS 812 337, October 2016
- Public Awareness Survey Recommendations of the NHTSA-GHSA Working Group, DOT HS 811 511, July 2011
- Community-Based Impaired-Driving Programs: Local Ordinances and Other Strategies Addressing Impaired Driving, DOT HS 811 678, September 2012
- Priorities for Reducing Alcohol-Related Driving Among Latino Communities, DOT HS 811 263, April 2010
- Case Studies of Community-Based Self-Sufficient DWI Programs, DOT HS 811 300, July 2011
- Evaluation of the New Mexico Ignition Interlock Program, DOT HS 811 410, November 2010
- Source Investigations: A Tool to Combat Impaired Driving, DOT HS 811 519, November 2011
- A Campaign to Reduce Impaired Driving Through Retail-Oriented Enforcement in Washington State, DOT HS 810 913, April 2008
- Case Studies of Ignition Interlock Programs, DOT HS 811 594, April 2012
- Model Guidelines for State Ignition Interlock Programs, DOT HS 811 859, November 2013
- Driving While Impaired Arrest Process Improvement, DOT HS 812 308, August 2016
- Key Features for Ignition Interlock Programs, DOT HS 811 262, March 2010
- The ABCs of BAC: A Guide to Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration and Alcohol Impairment, DOT HS 809 844, July 2016
Legal Interpretations
- NHTSA's Chief Counsel interprets the statutes that the agency administers and the regulations that it promulgates. When members of the public ask the agency a question about motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment that involves these statutes and regulations, the Chief Counsel responds with a letter of interpretation that looks at the particular facts presented in the question and explains how the law applies given those facts. A searchable database of these legal interpretations can be found on NHTSA's website.
Interpretations Published in the Federal Register- Interpretation Regarding Preemption and Pre-Sale State Enforcement Safety Standards, January 7, 1982
- Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment (Signal Lighting Statement of Policy), November 4, 1998
- Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment (ID Lamp Location), April 5, 1999
- Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment (Replacement Equipment), November 1, 2005
Motorcycle Safety
- Motorcyclists’ Attitudes on Using High-Visibility Gear to Improve Conspicuity: Findings From a Focus Group Study
- How to Identify Unsafe Motorcycle Helmets, DOT HS 807 880, September 2019
- Motorcycle Safety, DOT HS 807 709, December 2007
- Prioritized Recommendations of the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety: Final Report, DOT HS 811 789, June 2013
National Center for Statistics and Analysis
- The Importance of Sharing Data, DOT HS 810 687, March 2007
- Model Performance Measures for State Traffic Records Systems, DOT HS 811 441, February 2011
- State Traffic Information Systems Improvements: Promising Practices, DOT HS 811 502, July 2011
- National Driver Register Frequently Asked Questions, November 2015
- MMUCC Guideline, Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria, DOT HS 812 433, July 2017
- Crash Data Improvement Program Guide, DOT HS 812 419, December 2017
- Traffic Records Program Assessment Advisory, 2018 Edition, DOT HS 812 601, August 2018
- Crash Report Sampling System: Design Overview, Analytic Guidance, and FAQs, DOT HS 812 688, April 2019
- Data Integration: Linking it all Together, DOT HS 812 784, July 2019
- State Traffic Records Coordinating Committee Strategic Planning Guide, DOT HS 812 773a, July 2019
- Crash Investigation Sampling System: Design Overview, Analytic Guidance & FAQs, DOT HS 812 801, September 2019
New Car Assessment Program
- Final Decision Notice, Consumer Information, New Car Assessment Program, July 11, 2008
- Notice of Postponement of the Implementation of Enhancements to the New Car Assessment Program, December 24, 2008
- Submission of Questions and Comments Given to NHTSA Regarding NCAP Enhancements, February 2009
- New Car Assessment Program (Inclusion of Automatic Emergency Braking), November 5, 2015
- New Car Assessment Program: Corrections (Policy on Rounding), May 16, 2014
- Laboratory Test Procedures
- Frontal Impact Testing, May 2018
- Side Impact Moving Deformable Barrier Test, October 2015
- Side Impact Rigid Pole Test, October 2015
- Rollover Static Test, March 2013
- Dynamic Rollover Fishhook Maneuver, March 2013
- FMVSS No. 305, May 2012
- Forward Collision Warning System, February 2013
- Lane Departure Warning System, February 2013
- Crash Imminent Brake System, October 2015
- Dynamic Brake Support, October 2015
- Out of Position Side Air Bag, November 2019
- Procedures for Manufacturers to Request an Optional Test
- Additional Procedures for Manufacturers to Request an Optional Test
- Government 5-Star Safety Ratings for Motor Vehicles Advertising & Communication Usage Guidelines, November 20, 2013
- Child Restraint Ease of Use Rating Criteria, February 1, 2008
- Ease-of-Use Ratings Program, Conditions of Use, April 2, 2018
Older Drivers
- Older Driver Compliance with License Restrictions, DOT HS 812 486, April 2018
- Process and Outcomes Evaluation of Older Driver Screening Programs: The Assessment of Driving-Related Skills (ADReS) Older-Driver Screening Tool, DOT HS 811 113, May 2009
- BAC and Crash Responsibility of Injured Older Drivers: An Analysis of Trauma Center Data, DOT HS 812 062, September 2014
- Driver Fitness Medical Guidelines, DOT HS 811 210, September 2009
- Medical Review Process and License Disposition of Drivers Referred by Law Enforcement and Other Sources in Virginia, DOT HS 811 484, July 2011
- Licensing Procedures for Older Drivers, DOT HS 811 833, September 2013
- Drive Well: Promoting Older Driver Safety and Mobility in Your Community, DOT HS 809 838, January 2007
- Clinician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers, 3rd Edition, DOT HS 812 228, January 2016
- Functional Assessments, Safety Outcomes, and Driving Exposure Measures for Older Drivers, DOT HS 811 630, August 2012
- Evaluating Older Drivers' Skills, DOT HS 811 773, May 2013
- Talking About Driving with an Older Driver
- Taxonomy of Older Driver Behaviors and Crash Risk, DOT HS 811 468A, February 2012
Pedestrian Safety
- Advancing Pedestrian Safety Using Education and Enforcement in Pedestrian Focus Cities and States: Chicago, DOT HS 812 082, October 2014
- Advancing Pedestrian Safety Using Education and Enforcement in Pedestrian Focus Cities and States: North Carolina, DOT HS 812 286, June 2016
- Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations: A How-To Guide, DOT HS 812 059, November 2014
- Identifying Countermeasure Strategies to Increase Safety of Older Pedestrians, DOT HS 811 798, July 2013
School Bus Safety
Seat Belt Use
- Additional Analysis of the National Child Restraint Use Special Study, DOT HS 812 462, October 2017
- Additional Analysis of National Child Restraint Use Special Study: Characteristics of Those Not Restrained, DOT HS 812 477, October 2018
- Feasibility of Modeling the Relationship Between Seat Belt Program Inputs and Outcomes, DOT HS 812 524, April 2018
- Evaluation of Teen Seat Belt Demonstration Projects in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas, DOT HS 812 464, July 2018
- Evaluation of Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement Demonstration Program and Identification of Characteristics of Unbelted High-Risk Drivers, DOT HS 812 474, April 2018
- School Bus Seat Belts and Carryover Effects in Elementary School Children, DOT HS 811 187, October 2009
- Click It or Ticket Evaluation 2008-2009, DOT HS 811 536, June 2013
- Occupant Protection Issues Among Older Drivers and Passengers: Volume 1 Final Report, DOT HS 810 938, April 2008
- Avoiding "Tween" Tragedies: Demonstration Project to Increase Seat Belt Use Among 8-to-15-Year-Old Motor Vehicle Occupants, DOT HS 811 096, June 2012
- Primary Enforcement Saves Lives, The Case for Strong Safety Belt Laws, DOT HS 810 649, September 2006
- Identifying Opportunities to Decrease Vehicle Occupant Fatalities, DOT HS 812 435, July 2017
- The Click It or Ticket Evaluation, 2013, DOT HS 812 238, January 2016
- Demonstration of the Trauma Nurses Talk Tough Seat Belt Diversion Program in North Carolina, DOT HS 811 873, March 2014
- Evaluation of the Washington Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement Program, DOT HS 812 395, April 2017
- Documenting How States Recently Upgraded to Primary Seat Belt Laws, DOT HS 811 524, September 2011
- Daytime and Nighttime Seat Belt Use by Fatally Injured Passenger Vehicle Occupants, DOT HS 811 281, July 2010
- Impact of Implementing a Primary Enforcement Seat Belt Law in Florida: A Case Study, DOT HS 811 656, August 2012
- Guidelines to Observe and Estimate Statewide Seat Belt Use at Night, DOT HS 811 288, March 2010
Speeding
- Speed-Measuring Device Specifications: Down-the-Road Radar Module, DOT HS 812 266, April 2016
- Investigation of the Use and Feasibility of Speed Warning Systems, DOT HS 811 996, May 2014
- Automated Feedback to Foster Safe Driving in Young Drivers, Phase 2, DOT HS 812 230, December 2015
- System Analysis of Automated Speed Enforcement Implementation, DOT HS 812 257, April 2016
- Feasibility of Collecting Traffic Safety Data From Law Enforcement Agencies, DOT HS 811 447, April 2011
- Motivations for Speeding, Volume I: Summary Report, DOT HS 811 658, August 2012
- Motivations for Speeding, Volume II: Findings Report, DOT HS 811 818, September 2013
- Motivations for Speeding, Volume III: Appendices, DOT HS 811 819, September 2013
- Motivations for Speeding – Additional Data Analysis, DOT HS 812 255, April 2016
- Beginning Teenage Drivers, DOT HS 810 651, September 2006
- Interim Administrative Guide for the Traffic Enforcement Technologies Program, November 2016
- Conforming Product List for Speed-Measuring Devices, December 12, 2019
Teen Driving
Uniform Guidelines for State Highway Safety Programs
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 1, Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection, DOT HS 812 007A, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 2, Motor Vehicle Registration, DOT HS 812 007B, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 3, Motorcycle Safety, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 4, Driver Education, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 5, Non-Commercial Driver Licensing, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 6, Codes and Laws, DOT HS 812 007C, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 7, Judicial and Court Services, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 8, Impaired Driving, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 10, Traffic Records, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 11, Emergency Medical Services
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 12, Prosecutor Training, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 13, Older Driver Safety, DOT HS 812 007D, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 14, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 15, Traffic Enforcement Services, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 16, Management of Highway Incidents, DOT HS 812 007E, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 17, Pupil Transportation Safety, March 2009
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 18, Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation and Incident Reporting, DOT HS 812 007F, April 2014
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 19, Speed Management, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 20, Occupant Protection, November 2006
- Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 21, Roadway Safety
Vehicle Importation and Certification
- New Manufacturers Handbook
- Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Imported from Canada), September 12, 2017
- Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Vehicles Manufactured for Sale in a Country Other than Canada), June 25, 2018
- Temporary Importations
- How to Import a Motor Vehicle for Show or Display, July 7, 2003
- Information for Racing Vehicle Exclusion
- CBPP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements – Implementation Guide – PGA Message Set for Shipments Subject to NHTSA Regulations, October 30, 2017
- Vehicle Identification Numbers, December 28, 2009
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Registered Importer Newsletters
- Recommended Best Practices for Importers of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment, July 19, 2016
Vehicle Safety Recalls
- Tips for Increasing Recall Completion Rates, April 2019
- Vehicle Recalls: Frequently Asked Questions
- Guidance on Manufacturer Communications about Defects and Noncompliance
- Guidance on Manufacturer Recalls Portal
- NHTSA Recalls Portal Quick Start Guide, May 2015
- NHTSA Recalls Portal Quick Start Guide for Document Uploads, March 2017
- Manufacturer Recalls Portal, Frequently Asked Questions, August 2014
- Letter stating that NHTSA is updating the Manufacturer Communications Portal, September 2019
- Copy of email titled “NHTSA New Update on Reminder Notifications,” August 2017
- Copy of email titled “NHTSA Update: New Changes to Part 573 Recall Report Form,” August 2017
- Copy of email titled “NHTSA – New Recalls Portal Announcements,” August 2018
- Guidance on Early Warning Reporting (EWR)
- Flyer explaining 2013 Final Rule amending certain provisions of the EWR rule and the regulations governing safety recalls (78 FR 51382, Aug. 20, 2013), September 2013
- EWR webpage, “Getting Started,” August 2003
- EWR webpage, “Frequently Asked Questions,” August 2003
- “Field Report Submissions,” August 2003
- EWR webpage, “Manufacturer Account Application,” August 2003
- EWR webpage, “Compendiums,” August 2003
- EWR webpage, “Legal Interpretations,” dates vary
- EWR webpage, “How to Request Confidential Treatment of Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Data,” August 2003
- EWR webpage, Microsoft Excel templates, August 2003
- EWR webpage, XML Instances, August 2003
- EWR webpage, XML Schema, August 2003
- EWR webpage, XML Validator, August 2003
- EWR webpage, Data File Transfer, August 2003
- EWR Data File Transfer Setup Using WinSCP 3.5.6, September 2005
- Announcement, “New Early Warning Reporting Portal Coming Soon,” June 2019
- Guidance on VIN Lookup Tool
Vehicle Safety Research
- Automated Driving Systems 2.0: A Vision for Safety, September 2017
- Voluntary Safety Self-Assessment Template, September 2017
- Understanding NHTSA's Regulatory Tools, Instructions, Practical Guidance, and Assistance for Entities Seeking to Employ NHTSA's Regulatory Tools, September 2017
- NHTSA Enforcement Guidelines Bulletin 2016-02: Safety-Related Defects and Automated Safety Technologies, September 2016
- Human Factors Design Guidance for Driver-Vehicle Interfaces, December 2016
- Human Factors Design Guidance for Level 2 and Level 3 Automated Driving Concepts, August 2018
- Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles, October 2016
Vehicle Theft Prevention
911 System
Complaints
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
Pursuant to the OMB Good Guidance Bulletin, we have also designated a specific office to receive and address public complaints that we are not complying with the OMB Good Guidance Bulletin or that we are treating a significant guidance document as a binding requirement. This office will respond promptly and appropriately to any complaints.
If you have concerns about the agency's compliance with the OMB Good Guidance Bulletin, please contact:
Office of the Chief Counsel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
West Building
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-9511
Review and Modification
PETITIONS FOR REVIEW OR MODIFICATION OF EXISTING GUIDANCE
Pursuant to the E.O. 13891, we provide the public the opportunity to petition for review or modification of an existing guidance document. A petition must:
- Be submitted to Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590;
- Be written in the English language;
- Identify at the beginning of the petition the guidance document(s) the petitioner requests be modified and/or repealed by, at a minimum, the title of the document and date of issuance;
- Set forth an explanation of reasons why the guidance document(s) should be modified and/or repealed; and
- Contain the name and address of the petitioner.