The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The campaign, supported by a $5 million national media buy in both English and Spanish and set during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, emphasizes high-visibility enforcement from April 10-14 and education to curb distracted driving.

A Vox article highlights that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not established limits on LED headlight brightness despite increasing safety concerns from drivers and pedestrians. Critics argue that as the ultimate authority on vehicle safety, NHTSA's failure to regulate contributes to road hazards and leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

Approximately 30 staffers from NHTSA's office that evaluated self-driving car risks were fired by DOGE in February 2025. This politically driven action has raised concerns over the agency's ability to effectively oversee and regulate emerging vehicle automation technologies, possibly aligning with interests that favor corporate players like Tesla.

NHTSA is expected to roll back Biden-era regulations on fuel economy and self-reporting of crash data for advanced driving systems under the second Trump Administration. The move signals a shift towards deregulation that favors industry interests over public safety and environmental standards.

NHTSA announced an investigation into Tesla vehicles following 12 reported crashes linked to a remote driving feature, highlighting concerns over obstacle detection and connectivity delays. This move reinforces the agency’s commitment to enforcing vehicle safety standards and protecting public welfare.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a voluntary national framework, AV STEP, for the evaluation and supervision of vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS). The framework aims to enhance transparency, safety oversight, and independent review through third-party auditors, inviting public comment and stakeholder input.

NHTSA introduced the voluntary ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) aimed at enhancing public oversight, transparency, and safety in the development and operation of automated driving systems. The program encourages public feedback and provides a national framework for evaluating vehicle safety data.

On December 20, 2024, NHTSA unveiled its voluntary national framework, AV STEP, aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight of automated driving systems. The program seeks to provide rigorous evaluation and data reporting for ADS-equipped vehicles to bolster public trust and road safety.

NHTSA completed its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system, linking the technology to 14 deaths and highlighting design flaws such as weak driver engagement and misleading branding. The agency’s findings not only underscore the safety risks associated with the system but also prompted a new probe into Tesla's recent OTA software update following a recall.

NHTSA commissioned five research projects awarding over $5 million to DRI for advancing vehicle safety research. The projects focus on improving ADAS testing protocols, including systems aimed at protecting vulnerable road users through more reliable crash avoidance mechanisms.

On March 11, 2024, NHTSA awarded five contracts worth over US$5 million to Independent test consultancy DRI. The contracts will fund vehicle safety research projects focused on advancing ADAS and automated driving systems, including new test protocols based on real-world crash data to improve vehicle crash avoidance technologies.

The Senate voted to allow Ann Carlson to remain as acting NHTSA administrator despite a rejected nomination and alleged violations of the Vacancies Act. Critics argue that this decision undermines constitutional oversight and democratic accountability, marking a concerning instance of executive overreach.

Senate Republicans led by Senator Ted Cruz sent a letter demanding the immediate removal of NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson, alleging her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Despite the withdrawal of her nomination, Carlson continues to lead the agency and push for aggressive fuel economy standards, signaling a commitment to progressive, environmentally focused regulatory policies.

Senate Republicans criticized the Biden administration for allowing rejected nominee Ann Carlson to serve as acting administrator at NHTSA, alleging that this move violates the Vacancies Act and undermines constitutional checks. The agency’s subsequent actions, including the introduction of de facto EV mandates, have sparked significant political controversy.

NHTSA nominee Ann Carlson, who has a record of championing strict fuel economy standards and electric vehicle mandates, is facing criticism from Senate Commerce Republicans. Despite claims that such measures could harm American families, these policies align with a progressive agenda aimed at combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

President Biden announced the nomination of Ann Carlson, the current acting administrator of NHTSA, to lead the agency. Her record includes directing fuel economy regulations, advancing safety features for vehicles, and securing increased resources for the agency. The nomination is set to be referred to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.

An AP review reveals that NHTSA has failed to implement at least 13 overdue auto safety rules—including a critical rear seat belt reminder regulation—despite congressional mandates. This delay has likely contributed to preventable fatalities and undermines public trust in the agency’s oversight.