Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1361
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-01T08:08:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 1361: Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2025
Purpose
This bill aims to enhance vehicle safety by clarifying and updating federal regulations to permit the use of pulsating light systems on high-mounted stop lamps. These systems are designed to help prevent rear-end collisions by providing a more noticeable visual signal when brakes are applied.
Key Provisions
- Immediate Clarification: Starting on the date the bill is enacted, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108 (Standard 108)—which governs vehicle lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment—will be interpreted to allow pulsating light systems on covered vehicles.
- Required Rulemaking: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Transportation must issue regulations to formally update Standard 108. These updates will:
- Establish performance-based standards for pulsating light systems.
- Explicitly permit their installation and use on motor vehicles.
- Definitions:
- Pulsating light system: A setup for a high-mounted stop lamp that activates when the vehicle's brake is applied. It causes the lamp to flash rapidly up to 4 times for no more than 1.2 seconds, then switches to a steady light like a standard stop lamp until the brake is released. The flashing does not repeat for at least 5 seconds after the brake is released (a "lock-out period" to prevent overuse).
- Standard 108: Refers to the specific federal safety rule (in 49 CFR 571.108) that sets requirements for vehicle lighting and signaling devices.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies the interpretation and content of Standard 108, which previously may not have explicitly allowed pulsating lights. It provides an immediate allowance while mandating formal updates, shifting from potentially restrictive rules to ones that support advanced safety features without requiring full redesigns of existing standards.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Drivers and passengers could benefit from improved rear-end collision avoidance through more attention-grabbing brake signals, potentially reducing accidents and injuries on U.S. roads.
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT), particularly the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will need to develop and implement new regulations within a tight timeline, increasing short-term administrative workload but promoting long-term safety goals.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic vehicle safety standards without addressing trade, imports, or foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vehicle Manufacturers and Suppliers: They gain clearer permission to install and market pulsating light systems, potentially lowering compliance costs and enabling innovation in safety technology.
- Drivers and Road Users: Primary beneficiaries through enhanced vehicle safety features.
- Safety Advocates and Researchers: Groups focused on traffic safety may support or monitor the implementation to ensure effectiveness.
- Federal Regulators (DOT/NHTSA): Responsible for updating standards and enforcing compliance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal oversight of vehicle safety by mandating performance-based standards, which could set a precedent for incorporating technology-driven safety enhancements into existing regulations. No conflicts with broader motor vehicle safety laws are evident.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate commerce, including vehicle safety standards; no apparent free speech, privacy, or due process issues.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) suggests broad support for practical road safety measures. It represents a minor, targeted update rather than sweeping reform, with potential for quick passage if prioritized in transportation committees.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]
Cosponsors (47)
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. McDowell, Addison [R-NC-6], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (3 pages)