April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures Finalized by DOT

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a final rule reinstating and updating its internal procedures for issuing rulemakings, guidance documents, and enforcement actions. The new procedures codify previously rescinded reforms and reflect recent administration policy, including requirements under Executive Order 14192. The regulation mandates comprehensive review and clearance of significant guidance, clarification of enforcement rights for regulated parties, expanded opportunities for public comment, and a regulatory cost offset for major rules. The update also reestablishes the Department's Regulatory Reform Task Force and formalizes rulemaking, guidance, and enforcement processes across DOT operating administrations. The rule is effective May 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Seeks Comment on Exemption for ROSHO Automotive Camera-Based Mirror System

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is soliciting public comment on ROSHO Automotive Solutions' application for a five-year exemption to allow commercial vehicles to operate with their 'Mirror System,' a camera-based alternative to two rear-vision mirrors mandated by FMCSRs. ROSHO's technology, compliant with UNECE R46 and ISO 16505, claims an expanded field of view and features such as anti-glare, heating, night vision, and blind spot detection. The application will be evaluated based on safety analyses and comments before FMCSA renders a decision. Comments are due by June 1, 2026. Submission procedures and CBI policies are outlined in the notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Grants Five-Year Exemption for Amber Brake-Activated Pulsating Lamps to Yarde Metals

Yarde Metals, Inc. has been granted a five-year limited exemption from FMCSA to equip its commercial vehicles with an amber, brake-activated, pulsating auxiliary lamp in the rear center frame rail, in addition to required steady-burning brake lamps. The agency concluded the exemption is likely to maintain or improve safety. Yarde Metals must submit annual data on rear-impact crashes involving vehicles with the lamps. The exemption is effective through April 28, 2031, and is limited in applicability to Yarde Metals’ fleet.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Grants Atlantic Aviation Orlando Exemption for Forward-Discharge Exhaust Systems

FMCSA approved a five-year exemption for Atlantic Aviation Orlando, LLC, allowing four aircraft fuel service trucks to operate with exhaust systems discharging forward of the cab. The configuration is intended to meet NFPA fire safety codes and mitigate ignition hazards during aircraft fueling operations. Atlantic Aviation's testing confirmed zero carbon monoxide exposure inside the cab. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026, through April 28, 2031, with terms requiring operation only at specified airport locations and continued compliance with safety regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Requests Comments on Intellistop Brake Lamp Pulsing Exemption Application

FMCSA is reviewing a new application from Intellistop, Inc. seeking a five-year exemption to equip commercial motor vehicles fleetwide with a rear-lamp module that pulses the brake, identification, and clearance lights four times over two seconds when brakes are applied. The application follows a prior denial and subsequent reconsideration with additional safety data. The agency seeks public comment by May 28, 2026, before making a determination. Information on the comment process and handling of CBI is specified in the Federal Register notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025

Bill 1346 has advanced under the title 'Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025.' Rule H. Res. 1224 passed the House. The measure addresses environmental protection in fuel retail markets.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To support research, development, and other activities to develop innovative vehicle technologies, and for other purposes.

Bill 8609 was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill supports research and development to advance innovative vehicle technologies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To provide a gasoline tax holiday.

Bill 8572 would establish a gasoline tax holiday. The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, resale, or introduction into interstate commerce in the United States of connected vehicles and related software and hardware associated with foreign adversaries.

Bill 4429 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The proposal targets connected vehicles with links to foreign adversaries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend biodiesel and renewable diesel incentives, and for other purposes.

Bill 4408 would extend incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Governor Hochul Launches Targeted Enforcement on License Plate Fraud and Dangerous Driving

Governor Hochul announced a week-long Operation Plate Check, involving State Police, DMV, and Thruway Authority, to enforce against license plate fraud and aggressive driving from May 2-9.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Gas Tax Suspension Backed in Indiana Amid Rising Prices

Indiana officials, including State Senator Jeff Raatz, have supported Governor Braun’s decision to suspend the state gas tax in response to gasoline prices rising to $4.13 per gallon.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday Scheduled for August 7-9, 2026

Governor Mike DeWine confirmed a back-to-school sales tax holiday for clothing and supplies August 7-9, 2026, offering exemptions on qualifying items for Ohio families.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

Connecticut Budget Bill Advances Transportation, Education and Infrastructure Funding

Connecticut's proposed FY2027 budget supports education grants, infrastructure, and transportation investment, while implementing revenue adjustments and cost reductions.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Community College Enrollment Growth in New York

New York’s CUNY and SUNY community colleges saw more than 24,000 additional students over three years, attributed to the state’s Reconnect programs and expanded financial aid offerings.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• California adopts new rules allowing manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous vehicles: California clears manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous trucks under new state regulations.
• Trump's tariffs on EU autos show US to be unreliable, says EU parliament's trade committee chair: The EU expresses concern over U.S. reliability in light of new U.S. tariffs on European auto imports.
• US ends probe on Tesla Model Y vehicles without manufacturer action: U.S. authorities closed their investigation into Tesla Model Y without requiring remedial manufacturer action.
• Electric Cars Were a Big Deal Over a Hundred Years Ago: The New York Times traces the longstanding history and revival of electric vehicle technology.
• What oil crisis? China’s EVs are ready to dominate the 21st century: China’s rapidly maturing EV sector positions domestic manufacturers for global competitiveness.

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