EPA Ends Mandate for Unpopular Start-Stop Technology

The Trump administration scraps Obama-era regulations that encouraged automakers to install the much-maligned feature.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The EPA has announced the end of federal regulations that incentivized automakers to install start-stop technology in vehicles. The move, described as the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, eliminates the regulatory credits that encouraged the widespread adoption of a feature that many drivers find annoying and problematic. Automakers will no longer be compelled to include start-stop systems, which automatically shut off the engine at red lights and then restart it, often causing mechanical issues and frustrating drivers.

Why it matters

Start-stop technology was widely disliked by consumers but became common due to the regulatory credits automakers received for including it. The end of these credits means automakers can now focus on genuine efficiency improvements rather than gimmicks, and consumers will have more choice in whether their vehicles have this feature.

The details

The EPA's decision scraps the Obama-era 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding and wipes out federal greenhouse-gas standards for vehicles dating back to model year 2012. This eliminates the regulatory credits that encouraged automakers to install start-stop systems, which many drivers find irritating due to the engine shutting off at red lights and then restarting. Mechanics have also warned that the constant restarts can accelerate wear on starter motors, batteries, and other components.

  • On February 12, 2026, President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the end of the start-stop mandate.
  • The regulatory credits that encouraged automakers to install start-stop systems have been in place since the Obama administration's 2009 greenhouse gas regulations.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who announced the end of the start-stop mandate.

Lee Zeldin

The EPA Administrator who announced the end of the start-stop mandate.

Greg Damon

An ASE Master Technician who warned that start-stop technology is a "disaster waiting to happen" due to the increased wear and tear on vehicle components.

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What they’re saying

“Mechanically, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Constant restarts accelerate wear on starter motors — even reinforced ones. Batteries cycle harder and require more expensive replacements. Engine components face repeated stress, especially during warm restarts when lubrication isn't instantaneous.”

— Greg Damon, ASE Master Technician (theblaze.com)

“Universally hated”

— Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator (theblaze.com)

“An 'Obama switch' that makes your engine shut off at every red light.”

— Donald Trump (theblaze.com)

What’s next

With the regulatory credits eliminated, automakers are expected to quietly phase out start-stop technology or offer true disable options for consumers.

The takeaway

The end of the start-stop mandate restores consumer choice and removes a feature that was widely disliked but became common due to government incentives, rather than actual consumer demand. This allows automakers to focus on genuine efficiency improvements instead of gimmicks.