NHTSA delays lighting standard compliance date

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has postponed the effective date for the new revamped lighting standard. The group moved the date from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, according to a report by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Associat
Jan. 1, 2020
2 min read
Untitled Document


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has postponed the effective date for the new revamped lighting standard. The group moved the date from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, according to a report by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

A ruling late last year amended the 40-year-old Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment, to provide a more logical presentation of the applicable regulatory requirements at a time when the lighting standard had become far too complicated, the AAIA states.

The revision inserted Society of Automotive Engineer (SAE) standards directly into the body of the text rather than reference it as they currently are. In addition, the new standard reflects updated letters of interpretation.

NHTSA made changes to an original December 2005 proposal when the final rule was released in December 2007, spurring 15 petitions for reconsideration of the rule.

Two of the petitions requested the delay, and the others raised concerns that the reorganized FMVSS 108 imposed new requirements on compliance documentation, the AAIA states, adding as Sept. 1 approached, NHTSA reasoned that it was appropriate to first delay the standard to allow more time to analyze the petitions before the rule took effect.


Subscribe to our Newsletters

Latest in Operations

Bailey Davidson
THE NEXT GENERATION: James Ivanowski's (left) oldest son, Jonah (far right) works as an estimator and is involved in most high-level decisions for the business.
Proud of their legacy, Hollingsworth Auto Service’s family owners have pivoted to meet the industry’s shifting needs.
June 17, 2025
Dave Dunn
ALWAYS BE RECRUITING: Dave Dunn has run Dave's Auto Body for nearly 50 years, and his approach to recruiting has included a 'waiting line' of viable candidates.
You can turn recruiting into your shop’s strength with just 30 minutes every quarter.
June 16, 2025
Adobe Stock 997306555
Geofencing
How digital marketing maneuvers can help keep shops top-of-mind with customers old and new.
June 13, 2025