The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), published a notice in the Federal Register on January 20, 2026, announcing its intent to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reinstate a previously approved information collection. This collection falls under 49 CFR Part 575, specifically Sections 103 and 105, which mandate that motor vehicle manufacturers provide consumers with critical safety information on truck-camper loading and vehicle rollover risks. The notice, docketed as NHTSA-2026-0067, opens a 60-day public comment period ending March 23, 2026, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This development underscores ongoing efforts to ensure vehicle manufacturers disseminate performance and safety data to buyers, potentially preventing accidents related to improper loading or handling of certain vehicles. By reinstating this collection, NHTSA aims to maintain transparency and safety standards in the automotive industry, affecting manufacturers of light trucks, slide-in campers, and utility vehicles.
Background and Regulatory Framework
The information collection in question originates from federal statutes designed to promote vehicle safety. Under 49 U.S.C. 30117(a), the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to require manufacturers to provide technical information on vehicle performance and safety to first purchasers and prospective buyers. This authority led to the establishment of 49 CFR Part 575, known as the Consumer Information Regulations. Section 103 addresses truck-camper loading, requiring manufacturers of light trucks capable of accommodating slide-in campers to specify cargo weight ratings and center-of-gravity limits. It also mandates labels on campers with loading instructions and more detailed information in owner's manuals. Section 105 focuses on vehicle rollover, obligating manufacturers of utility vehicles to affix prominent labels warning drivers about unique handling characteristics and the need for special driving practices.
Additionally, manufacturers must submit two copies of this information to NHTSA at least 90 days before new models are introduced to the market, as per 49 CFR 575.6(d)(1)(i). The collection was previously approved under OMB Control Number 2127-0049 but lapsed, prompting this reinstatement request. The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) governs such collections, requiring agencies to seek public input on necessity, burden estimates, and ways to minimize impacts before OMB approval.
This regulatory framework builds on historical efforts to address specific safety concerns. For instance, rollover risks in utility vehicles gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, with NHTSA data showing higher rollover rates for SUVs and light trucks compared to passenger cars. The TREAD Act of 2000, enacted after high-profile tire failures, further emphasized consumer information on vehicle stability. Similarly, truck-camper regulations stem from incidents where improper loading led to instability and crashes, prompting NHTSA to formalize disclosure requirements.
Key Players and Affected Parties
NHTSA, as the lead agency, is responsible for administering these regulations, with Jane Doherty signing the notice as Acting Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. The DOT oversees NHTSA, while OMB reviews and approves information collections to ensure they comply with PRA standards. Motor vehicle manufacturers are the primary respondents, estimated at 35 entities: 18 producers of utility vehicles and trucks, and 17 slide-in camper manufacturers, with some overlap.
The notice estimates about 15 annual responses, including 12 for new model introductions and 3 for revisions. Affected vehicles include approximately 4.5 million units requiring labels, based on production figures. Consumers, particularly owners of light trucks and utility vehicles, benefit from this information, which is distributed through dealers and included in owner's manuals. Industry groups, such as the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, may provide comments, representing manufacturers' perspectives on compliance burdens.
Burden Estimates and Economic Implications
NHTSA's notice details the estimated burdens of the collection. The agency projects 300 annual burden hours, calculated from 15 submissions at 20 hours each. This includes time for gathering data (135 hours across manufacturers), printing and distributing information to dealers (60 hours), and incorporating details into owner's manuals (105 hours). The total annual cost is estimated at $2,137,418, encompassing submission preparation ($17,436), label affixing ($540,432 for 22,565 hours at $23.95 per hour), and printing ($1,579,550 for 4,513,000 labels at $0.35 each).
These figures highlight the economic impact on manufacturers, who must integrate compliance into production processes. From a broader perspective, supporters argue the costs are justified by safety benefits, citing NHTSA studies showing that informed consumers reduce accident rates. Critics, including some industry stakeholders, may contend that the burdens are overstated or could be minimized through digital alternatives, as invited in the notice's call for comments on enhancing efficiency via technology.
Short-term implications include potential adjustments based on public feedback, which could refine burden estimates before OMB review. Long-term, reinstatement could strengthen enforcement of safety standards, influencing vehicle design and marketing. Different viewpoints exist: consumer advocacy groups like the Center for Auto Safety may emphasize the practical utility in preventing rollovers, while manufacturers might highlight compliance challenges in a competitive market.
Public Comment Process and Oversight
The notice solicits comments on four PRA-mandated areas: the necessity and utility of the information, accuracy of burden estimates, ways to improve quality and clarity, and methods to reduce respondent burdens, such as electronic submissions. Comments can be submitted electronically via regulations.gov, by fax, or mail, with all inputs posted publicly without edits, per the Privacy Act statement referencing the Federal Register (65 FR 19477-78, April 11, 2000).
This process ensures transparency and stakeholder input, aligning with administrative law principles. For further details, the notice directs inquiries to Walter Lysenko in NHTSA's Office of International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Programs.
In summary, NHTSA's push to reinstate this information collection reflects a commitment to consumer safety through mandated disclosures. Potential next steps include analyzing comments, possible revisions to the proposal, and OMB's decision on approval, expected within three years. Ongoing debates may center on balancing regulatory burdens with safety gains, especially as vehicle technologies evolve. Challenges could arise if economic pressures lead to calls for deregulation, while advancements in digital labeling might offer efficiency improvements. This development invites continued scrutiny from legal, policy, and industry experts on how best to implement these safety measures.
