SEMA-backed federal bill to establish ADAS safety guidelines for modified vehicles

Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-District 1) has introduced a bill in the U.S. House, penned with help from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), that centers on ensuring aftermarket businesses have the necessary information to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on modified vehicles.

The sponsors state in a press release that H.R. 6688, or “The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act,” that it would:

• • “Establishes clear guidelines for safe vehicle modifications: The legislation instructs [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] 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.”

Harshbarger added, “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… 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.”

The release states that 8.6 million U.S. vehicles are modified each year, from lift kits and suspension changes to engine upgrades. However, SEMA says its research indicates that more than 50 million U.S. cars and trucks are modified or accessorized each year.

“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,” the release states. “Without clear guidance, routine modifications can unintentionally affect sensors and calibration, potentially undermining key safety features.”

A press release from SEMA dubs the bill “landmark legislation” that is critical for common modifications to be made safely, such as installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires, or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising ADAS functionality.

SEMA engineers have researched how aftermarket modifications, such as lift kits and larger wheels, can affect ADAS functionality and safety effectiveness with the goal of informing the public about the risks associated with mods and providing shops with some procedural guidance.

The association has released a series of whitepapers on the subject across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and the Ram 1500.

SEMA says the new bill is timely because a forthcoming federal mandate requires new, model year 2029 vehicles to feature automatic emergency braking (AEB).

“It’s a common-sense bill, because, at a time when advanced driver assistance systems are more and more intertwined with how our vehicles operate, it’s important to address the needs of those who make common modifications to their cars and trucks (like bigger wheels and tires, aftermarket bumpers, or tow hitches) that help them thrive in their day-to-day lives,” stated Mike Spagnola, SEMA’s president and CEO, on LinkedIn.

In the SEMA press release, Jim Moore, SEMA’s OEM and product development vice president, added, “Americans deserve confidence that those critical systems will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, even after repairs or customization. Currently, the industry lacks clear standards governing ADAS calibration, and aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners need access to the necessary calibration information and procedures needed to keep modern safety features functioning. This bill marks a critical step forward in the name of vehicle safety and is a major step forward in protecting the American people’s right to modify the vehicles they own.”

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Images

Featured image: Modified pickup trucks on display at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas (Lurah Lowery/Repairer Driven News)