Car Model History

Policy changed the car

Federal automotive regulations since 1970

A sourced timeline of the federal actions that changed how cars are designed, built, tested, sold, serviced, and fueled in the United States.

43 milestones

How to use this catalog

See what changed—and what is actually required

This catalog includes material federal statutes and final rules affecting passenger cars and light trucks since 1970. It separates rules in force from superseded standards, phase-ins, and rulemakings Congress required but an agency has not finalized.

It is a historical research guide, not legal advice. The linked federal source controls, and current compliance questions should be checked against the U.S. Code and eCFR.

2026–1970 · newest first

Browse the timeline

Showing all 43 milestones

  1. 2026
    EmissionsEPAIn force

    Vehicle GHG standards repealed

    Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards Under the Clean Air Act

    Rescinded EPA's 2009 greenhouse-gas endangerment finding and repealed federal GHG emission standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty highway vehicles and engines. The action does not repeal traditional-pollutant standards or NHTSA CAFE rules.

    Effective
    April 20, 2026
    Citation
    91 FR 7686; 40 CFR Parts 85, 86, 600, 1036, 1037, and 1039
    Primary federal source
  2. 2024
    SafetyNHTSAPhased in

    Automatic emergency braking

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 127

    Requires automatic emergency braking, including pedestrian detection, to meet specified performance tests on new light vehicles.

    Effective
    Compliance dates begin in 2029
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.127
    Primary federal source
  3. 2024
    EmissionsEPASuperseded

    MY 2027+ multi-pollutant rule

    Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for MY 2027 and Later Light-Duty Vehicles

    Originally combined fleet-average greenhouse-gas and criteria-pollutant limits. EPA's 2026 final action repealed the vehicle GHG standards; traditional-pollutant requirements were not rescinded by that action.

    Effective
    Originally MY 2027; vehicle GHG portions repealed effective April 20, 2026
    Citation
    89 FR 27842
    Primary federal source
  4. 2024
    EfficiencyNHTSAPhased in

    MY 2027–2032 CAFE

    CAFE Standards for MY 2027–2032 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

    Sets the next cycle of fuel-economy standards and compliance rules for passenger-car and light-truck fleets.

    Effective
    Passenger cars MY 2027–2031; light trucks MY 2029–2031
    Citation
    89 FR 52540
    Primary federal source
  5. 2022
    ManufacturingTreasury / IRS / DOEIn force

    EV tax-credit overhaul

    Inflation Reduction Act Clean Vehicle Credits

    Reworked new and used clean-vehicle credits around final assembly, battery components, critical minerals, income, price, and foreign-entity rules.

    Effective
    Major changes from January 1, 2023
    Citation
    26 U.S.C. §§ 25E, 30D, 45W
    Primary federal source
  6. 2022
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Adaptive headlights

    Adaptive Driving Beam Final Rule

    Permitted adaptive driving-beam headlamps that reshape high beams to reduce glare while preserving illumination.

    Effective
    February 22, 2022
    Citation
    87 FR 9916; FMVSS 108
    Primary federal source
  7. 2022
    EfficiencyNHTSAIn force

    MY 2024–2026 CAFE

    CAFE Standards for MY 2024–2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

    Raised fleet fuel-economy targets across three model years and updated compliance calculations and credit provisions.

    Effective
    Model years 2024–2026
    Citation
    87 FR 25710
    Primary federal source
  8. 2021
    TechnologyNHTSAMandated rulemaking

    Impaired-driving technology

    Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — Advanced Impaired Driving Technology

    Directs NHTSA to establish a standard for passive technology that detects or prevents impaired driving when feasible. Driver-facing cameras are one possible approach, not a currently final federal camera mandate.

    Effective
    Law enacted November 15, 2021; final equipment standard not yet issued
    Citation
    Pub. L. 117-58 § 24220
    Primary federal source
  9. 2020
    ManufacturingEPAPhased in

    HFC phasedown

    American Innovation and Manufacturing Act

    Mandated a national phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons, affecting refrigerant supply and the transition of mobile air-conditioning technology.

    Effective
    December 27, 2020
    Citation
    42 U.S.C. § 7675
    Primary federal source
  10. 2016
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Minimum sound for hybrids and EVs

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141

    Set testable minimum sound requirements for electric and hybrid vehicles during low-speed operation.

    Effective
    Fully phased in September 2020
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.141
    Primary federal source
  11. 2015
    ManufacturingNHTSAIn force

    FAST Act

    FAST Act Motor Vehicle Provisions

    Expanded recall and safety oversight and authorized a low-volume replica-vehicle program later implemented by NHTSA.

    Effective
    December 4, 2015
    Citation
    Pub. L. 114-94
    Primary federal source
  12. 2014
    EmissionsEPAPhased in

    Tier 3 emissions

    Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards

    Tightened fleet-average tailpipe limits and reduced gasoline sulfur, treating vehicles and fuels as a coordinated emissions system.

    Effective
    From model year 2017
    Citation
    79 FR 23414
    Primary federal source
  13. 2014
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Backup cameras

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 Rear Visibility

    Required a rearview image meeting field-of-view, response-time, image-size, durability, and deactivation criteria.

    Effective
    All new light vehicles from May 1, 2018
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.111
    Primary federal source
  14. 2012
    EfficiencyEPA / NHTSASuperseded

    Second joint GHG/CAFE rule

    Light-Duty GHG and CAFE Standards for MY 2017–2025

    Accelerated engine, transmission, aerodynamics, lightweighting, hybrid, and electric-vehicle deployment through the mid-2020s.

    Effective
    Model years 2017–2025
    Citation
    77 FR 62624
    Primary federal source
  15. 2011
    ConsumerEPA / NHTSAIn force

    Modern window label

    Fuel Economy and Environment Label

    Added combined fuel economy, annual fuel cost, emissions information, and EV range/energy metrics to new-vehicle labels.

    Effective
    Model year 2013
    Citation
    76 FR 39478
    Primary federal source
  16. 2010
    EfficiencyEPA / NHTSASuperseded

    First joint GHG/CAFE rule

    Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas and CAFE Standards for MY 2012–2016

    Created the first coordinated national greenhouse-gas and fuel-economy program for cars and light trucks.

    Effective
    Model years 2012–2016
    Citation
    75 FR 25324
    Primary federal source
  17. 2010
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Quiet-vehicle sounds

    Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act

    Directed minimum sound requirements for electric and hybrid vehicles so pedestrians can detect them at low speeds.

    Effective
    January 4, 2011
    Citation
    Pub. L. 111-373
    Primary federal source
  18. 2008
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Rear visibility mandate

    Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act

    Directed rear-visibility, brake-shift-interlock, and power-window protections; the resulting camera rule reached all new light vehicles in May 2018.

    Effective
    February 28, 2008
    Citation
    Pub. L. 110-189
    Primary federal source
  19. 2007
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Electronic stability control

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126

    Required electronic stability control on light vehicles, reducing loss-of-control and rollover crashes.

    Effective
    Fully phased in by MY 2012
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.126
    Primary federal source
  20. 2007
    EfficiencyNHTSA / EPAIn force

    Higher CAFE targets

    Energy Independence and Security Act

    Reformed fuel-economy standards and directed a combined passenger-car and light-truck fleet target of at least 35 mpg by 2020.

    Effective
    December 19, 2007
    Citation
    Pub. L. 110-140
    Primary federal source
  21. 2006
    TechnologyNHTSAIn force

    EDR data standard

    Event Data Recorder Standard

    Standardized the data elements, survivability, and retrieval of voluntarily installed event data recorders; it did not itself require every vehicle to have one.

    Effective
    Vehicles manufactured from September 2012 when equipped
    Citation
    49 CFR Part 563
    Primary federal source
  22. 2004
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Upgraded head restraints

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202a

    Raised and strengthened front-seat head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries in rear impacts.

    Effective
    Phased in from September 2009
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.202a
    Primary federal source
  23. 2002
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Tire-pressure monitoring

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138

    Required tire-pressure monitoring systems that warn drivers when a tire is significantly underinflated.

    Effective
    Fully phased in by MY 2008
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.138
    Primary federal source
  24. 2000
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    TREAD Act

    Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act

    Expanded defect reporting and recall accountability and directed tire-pressure monitoring requirements after the Firestone tire crisis.

    Effective
    November 1, 2000
    Citation
    Pub. L. 106-414
    Primary federal source
  25. 2000
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Advanced airbags

    Advanced Air Bag Rule

    Required improved frontal crash protection while reducing airbag injury risk to children and smaller occupants through sensing and suppression strategies.

    Effective
    Phased in, MY 2004–2007
    Citation
    65 FR 30680
    Primary federal source
  26. 1999
    EmissionsEPASuperseded

    Tier 2 emissions

    Tier 2 Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards and Gasoline Sulfur Control

    Applied the same emissions framework to cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans while sharply reducing gasoline sulfur.

    Effective
    Phased in, MY 2004–2009
    Citation
    65 FR 6698
    Primary federal source
  27. 1998
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    LATCH child-seat anchors

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225

    Standardized lower anchors and top-tether anchorage points for child restraints in new vehicles.

    Effective
    Phased in, 1999–2002
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.225
    Primary federal source
  28. 1996
    TechnologyEPAIn force

    OBD II

    On-Board Diagnostic Requirements

    Made standardized onboard emissions diagnostics and the familiar diagnostic connector a nationwide requirement for new light-duty vehicles.

    Effective
    Model year 1996
    Citation
    40 CFR Part 86
    Primary federal source
  29. 1994
    EmissionsEPASuperseded

    Tier 1 emissions

    Tier 1 Light-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards

    Lowered allowable tailpipe pollution and drove broader use of electronic fuel control, improved catalysts, and engine-management systems.

    Effective
    Phased in, MY 1994–1997
    Citation
    40 CFR Part 86
    Primary federal source
  30. 1991
    SafetyNHTSAIn force

    Dual airbags

    Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Airbag Requirement

    Required driver and front-passenger automatic crash protection, making dual front airbags standard in new light vehicles.

    Effective
    Cars MY 1998; light trucks MY 1999
    Citation
    Pub. L. 102-240 § 2508
    Primary federal source
  31. 1990
    EmissionsEPAIn force

    Tier 1 and OBD II authority

    Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

    Established tighter Tier 1 tailpipe controls, reformulated gasoline, onboard diagnostics, evaporative-emissions controls, and clean-fuel programs.

    Effective
    November 15, 1990
    Citation
    Pub. L. 101-549
    Primary federal source
  32. 1988
    ConsumerNHTSAIn force

    Vehicle import compliance

    Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act

    Created the registered-importer framework and eligibility process for nonconforming vehicles imported into the United States.

    Effective
    January 31, 1990
    Citation
    Pub. L. 100-562
    Primary federal source
  33. 1986
    ConsumerNHTSAIn force

    Odometer disclosure

    Truth in Mileage Act

    Strengthened odometer disclosure and recordkeeping to reduce mileage fraud in used-vehicle sales.

    Effective
    April 29, 1989
    Citation
    Pub. L. 99-579
    Primary federal source
  34. 1985
    ConsumerNHTSAIn force

    Parts marking

    Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard

    Required identifying marks on major parts of high-theft passenger-car lines and later certain multipurpose vehicles and light trucks.

    Effective
    Model year 1987
    Citation
    49 CFR Part 541
    Primary federal source
  35. 1984
    SafetyNHTSASuperseded

    Passive restraints

    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 — Automatic Occupant Protection

    Required automatic occupant protection, accelerating motorized belts and then airbags before later dual-airbag requirements.

    Effective
    Phased in, MY 1987–1990
    Citation
    49 CFR § 571.208
    Primary federal source
  36. 1978
    ConsumerNHTSAIn force

    17-character VIN

    Vehicle Identification Number Requirements

    Standardized the 17-character VIN used to identify manufacturer, vehicle attributes, model year, plant, and production sequence.

    Effective
    Model year 1981
    Citation
    49 CFR Part 565
    Primary federal source
  37. 1978
    EfficiencyIRS / EPAIn force

    Gas guzzler tax

    Energy Tax Act Gas Guzzler Tax

    Imposed a graduated tax on new passenger cars below specified fuel-economy levels, directly influencing performance-car pricing and engineering.

    Effective
    1980 model year
    Citation
    26 U.S.C. § 4064
    Primary federal source
  38. 1977
    EmissionsEPAIn force

    1977 emissions amendments

    Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977

    Revised mobile-source deadlines and enforcement while reinforcing catalytic-converter, certification, and anti-tampering requirements.

    Effective
    August 7, 1977
    Citation
    Pub. L. 95-95
    Primary federal source
  39. 1975
    EfficiencyNHTSA / DOEIn force

    CAFE created

    Energy Policy and Conservation Act

    Created Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, changing fleet mix, vehicle weight, engines, transmissions, and fuel-economy planning from model year 1978 onward.

    Effective
    December 22, 1975
    Citation
    Pub. L. 94-163
    Primary federal source
  40. 1975
    ConsumerFTCIn force

    Warranty law

    Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

    Standardized written consumer warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to branded service or parts except under limited conditions.

    Effective
    January 4, 1975
    Citation
    15 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2312
    Primary federal source
  41. 1973
    EmissionsEPASuperseded

    Lead phasedown

    Control of Lead Additives in Gasoline

    Started the gasoline-lead phasedown and enabled catalytic converters and unleaded-fuel vehicles beginning in the 1975 model year.

    Effective
    January 10, 1974
    Citation
    38 FR 33734
    Primary federal source
  42. 1972
    ConsumerNHTSASuperseded

    Cost Savings Act

    Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act

    Established federal authority over bumper damage standards, odometer disclosure, and consumer motor-vehicle information; its provisions are now recodified in Title 49.

    Effective
    October 20, 1972
    Citation
    Pub. L. 92-513
    Primary federal source
  43. 1970
    EmissionsEPAIn force

    Clean Air Act

    Clean Air Act Amendments

    Created the modern federal motor-vehicle emissions program and required steep reductions in hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides from new cars.

    Effective
    December 31, 1970
    Citation
    Pub. L. 91-604
    Primary federal source