Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

Updates federal motor vehicle safety oversight to address new technologies and improve accountability. Requires a public 3-year safety plan with regular updates, expanded rulemaking reports, and periodic reviews of safety standards that can change only if safety is maintained. Creates a new office and advisory committee to run safety ratings, launch testing within one year, and lead public education.

Expands federal authority to test vehicle equipment, raises the cap and duration for exemptions, and allows automatic approval if applications are not decided within one year. Updates recall processes by allowing electronic notices and clarifying when manufacturers must report defects. Directs studies on recall repair rates, vehicle costs and age, the VIN system, automated wheelchair securement, and post-crash rescues, and forms expert groups to report findings.

Affects automakers, suppliers, safety regulators, and consumers by changing testing, reporting, and recall practices, with more public information and faster data collection to support safety decisions.