Truck Safety Labels Revisited by the NHTSA

NHTSA Requests Public Comment on Truck Safety Information Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is requesting public comments on a federal information collection tied to truck safety. The agency plans to reinstate a previously approved collection under consumer information regulations.

Before requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NHTSA must follow federal law. That law requires agencies to seek public input under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The notice is scheduled to appear in the Federal Register on January 20, 2026. A 60-day public comment period will follow.

Rules Covered by the Review

The request focuses on 49 CFR Part 575, which includes consumer information rules related to truck safety. These rules apply to light trucks, utility vehicles, and slide-in campers.

Two sections of the regulation are part of the review. They address truck-camper loading and rollover warnings. Both are intended to provide safety information to buyers before vehicles are placed into service.

Truck Safety and Camper Loading Requirements

Section 575.103, known as Truck-Camper Loading, applies to light trucks that can carry slide-in campers. Manufacturers must provide information about cargo weight limits. They must also explain where the center of gravity should be located for safe loading.

Slide-in camper manufacturers must attach labels to each camper. These labels include identification details and loading guidance. Additional truck safety information must appear in the owner’s manual.

This information is meant to reduce improper loading that could affect vehicle control.

Rollover Warnings for Utility Vehicles

Section 575.105, titled Vehicle Rollover, applies to certain utility vehicles. These vehicles have handling traits that differ from passenger vehicles.

Manufacturers must place rollover warning labels in visible locations. The labels warn drivers that special driving practices are required. The goal is to improve truck safety awareness before the vehicle is operated.

Truck Safety Information Submitted to NHTSA

Manufacturers must submit required truck safety information to NHTSA before introducing a new vehicle model. Two copies of the information must be provided.

The submission must take place at least 90 days before the vehicle is shown to potential buyers. This allows NHTSA to review the material for compliance.

Manufacturers only submit information when launching a new model or changing existing details.

Who Is Affected

The information collection applies to motor vehicle and equipment manufacturers. This includes light truck manufacturers, utility vehicle manufacturers, and slide-in camper manufacturers.

NHTSA estimates that 35 manufacturers are affected. Some companies fall into more than one category, which lowers the total count.

Estimated Compliance Burden

NHTSA expects about 15 submissions per year. Most are linked to new vehicle models. A smaller number involve updates.

The total annual workload is estimated at 300 hours. This includes preparing submissions, printing materials, and placing labels on vehicles.

The estimated annual cost is about $2.14 million. Most of the cost comes from label printing and label installation during production.

Why NHTSA Is Seeking Comments

Federal law requires agencies to request public input before seeking OMB approval. NHTSA is asking for comments on whether the information collection is necessary.

The agency is also asking whether the estimated burden is accurate. Suggestions for improving clarity or reducing workload through technology are welcome.

Public comments must reference Docket No. NHTSA-2026-0067 and be submitted during the 60-day comment period.