Posts by bsharp@reddingfirm.com
U.S. Department of Transportation Releases Research Report on Safety Tests for AVs
test title The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report on the applicability for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) — also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs) — of vehicle safety tests typically performed on more traditional vehicles. Federal law requires that vehicle models met certain…
Read MoreState Bills would Let States Install Speed Limiters on Cars of those Convicted of Certain Offenses
test title Several very similar bills have been filed or pre-filed in some states that would allow states to install speed limiting devices on the vehicles of people convicted of certain offenses, such as reckless driving. In Wisconsin, SB 659 would make it illegal for someone to remove, disconnect, or tamper with an installed speed…
Read MoreASA Repair Policy Scan Tool Newsletter: November 24, 2025
test title Click here to read the latest edition of ASA’s Repair Policy Scan Tool newsletter. Categories Auto Repair Automotive Parts Clean Air Watch EPA Featured Information Availability Insurance Issues New Vehicle Technologies Replacement Crash Parts Service Information Small Business Uncategorized Vehicle Inspections Vehicle Safety Archives Archives Select Month July 2026 May 2026 March 2026…
Read MoreU.S. EPA Takes Action Relevant to Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Colorado and Arizona
test title The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave final approval to changes in Colorado’s Enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance (IM) program. In the implementation plan submitted to the EPA, Colorado proposed making the following substantive changes: Removing the requirement for a visual inspection of emission control devices model year vehicles 1975-1995. However, the…
Read MoreASA Repair Policy Scan Tool Newsletter: October 22, 2025
test title Click here to read the latest edition of ASA’s Repair Policy Scan Tool newsletter. Categories Auto Repair Automotive Parts Clean Air Watch EPA Featured Information Availability Insurance Issues New Vehicle Technologies Replacement Crash Parts Service Information Small Business Uncategorized Vehicle Inspections Vehicle Safety Archives Archives Select Month July 2026 May 2026 March 2026…
Read MoreNew Tariffs Announced on Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Buses, and Parts
test title Last week, President Trump signed orders creating new tariffs related to medium-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and buses. These tariffs will go into effect on November 1, 2025. Medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and some of their parts imported from abroad will be subject to a 25 percent import tax. For those vehicles and parts…
Read MoreCA Governor Newsom Signs Bill Restricting Certain Auto Storage Fees
test title California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 987 into law following its unanimous passage in the State Assembly and State Senate. AB 987 will allow insurers to waive responsibility for “unreasonable” storage fees, which the bill defines as including administrative or filing fees, security fees, dolly fees, pull-out fees, gate…
Read MoreUtah Legislature Sends Bill to Governor Exempting Fewer Vehicles from Emissions Inspections
test title The Utah State House and State Senate both unanimously approved HB 1003. It now awaits Governor Spencer Cox’s (R) signature for final passage. If Governor Cox signs HB 1003 into law, fewer vehicles will be exempt from emissions inspections. Currently, vehicles that weigh less than 14,001 pounds are exempt. Under this legislation, the…
Read MoreU.S. Small Business Administration will Relax Job Requirements for its 504 Loan Program
test title The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it plans to change the job creation or sustaining requirements to qualify for a loan under the SBA’s 504 Loan Program. Currently, a small business can qualify for the 504 Loan Program if, among other conditions, the project funded by the loan will result in…
Read MoreCalifornia Delays Start Date for Heavy-Duty Public Fleet EV Mandate by Several Years
test title The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved changes to its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation that will delay its implementation until 2030. Under ACF, the state must ensure that electric vehicles (EV) comprise all new vehicle purchases for state-owned heavy-duty vehicle fleets. This rule was originally slated to go into effect in…
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