NHTSA Finalizes Automatic Emergency Braking Rule

New rule requires automakers to include automatic emergency braking systems in cars and light trucks starting in 2029

In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a rule to mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in cars and light trucks weighing less than 10,000 pounds. NHTSA has now finalized the rule, which will require automakers to include AEB systems in their vehicles starting September 2029.

The final rule for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 127 requires cars to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them at speeds up to 62 mph. AEB systems must also be able to detect and avoid contact with pedestrians during the day and at night at speeds up to 40 mph. The systems must also brake automatically up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected in its path.