Harshbarger, Obernolte, Torres & Vasquez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumer Choice and Strengthen Vehicle Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Norma Torres (D-CA), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Functionality and Integrity Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure Americans can safely modify their vehicles without compromising critical safety systems.

“Personalizing a vehicle is part of American culture, and millions of drivers shouldn’t have to choose between the freedom to modify their car and the confidence that their safety systems will work properly,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Our bill gives consumers the clarity they deserve by ensuring NHTSA, manufacturers, and the aftermarket industry are all working together to provide clear, data-driven guidelines for modern vehicle modifications. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act will strike the right balance between innovation, safety, and consumer choice, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan solution.”

Each year, approximately 8.6 million vehicles are modified across the United States, from lift kits and suspension changes to engine upgrades, as millions of drivers enjoy the ability to personalize and adapt their vehicles. At the same time, newer vehicles increasingly rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and collision-avoidance technology. Without clear guidance, routine modifications can unintentionally affect sensors and calibration, potentially undermining key safety features.

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act addresses this challenge by strengthening safety while preserving consumer freedom. The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop clear, data-driven guidelines for vehicle modifications on model year 2028 and newer vehicles, ensuring drivers understand how aftermarket changes may interact with ADAS technologies.

The legislation is supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

“The right to modify is a quintessentially American value shared by SEMA and automotive enthusiasts from coast to coast – but until the bold actions of Rep. Harshbarger there has never been a concerted effort to ensure this right is protected in American law. We applaud her leadership in introducing the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act. This bill will provide the American people with certainty and protections to ensure that commonly modified vehicles remain as safe and functional as their manufacturers intended, while also protecting owners’ ability to add wraps or upgrade bumpers and wheels, and live their best lives through their vehicles.” - Karen Bailey-Chapman, Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs for SEMA

BACKGROUND:

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act accomplishes three key things:

Establishes Clear Guidelines for Safe Vehicle Modifications: The legislation instructs NHTSA to publish comprehensive guidelines explaining how common aftermarket modifications may affect ADAS safety features. These guidelines will help consumers personalize their vehicles with confidence without imposing new regulatory burdens on industry.

Requires Data-Driven Coordination with Industry and Experts:  NHTSA must collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, standard-setting organizations, dealers, and the aftermarket industry. All guidelines must be rooted in empirical data and dynamic testing to ensure safety while supporting continued innovation.

Improves Consumer Transparency: By building on the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the guidelines will give consumers clearer information about how easily a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS integrity. This transparency will empower Americans to choose vehicles that meet both their safety needs and customization preferences.