Federal Lawmakers Propose ADAS Calibration and Repair Access Standards

New bills aim to establish national guidelines for advanced driver assistance systems and improve access to repair data

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Federal lawmakers are considering two bills that could have significant implications for both drivers and the automotive repair industry. The proposed legislation focuses on establishing uniform national standards for the calibration and repair of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), as well as improving access to manufacturer data and diagnostic tools for repair professionals.

Why it matters

As ADAS technologies become increasingly common in new vehicles, the lack of consistent calibration and repair guidance has emerged as a concern among collision repair professionals and safety advocates. Improper calibration of ADAS sensors and cameras can undermine the effectiveness of these safety features, potentially putting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk. The proposed bills aim to address these issues and ensure the proper functioning of ADAS systems after repairs.

The details

The first bill, H.R. 6688 or the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish federal guidelines for the calibration, tolerances, validations, and test protocols for ADAS and vehicle dynamic systems on model-year 2028 and later vehicles. This would help address the current patchwork of technical standards prescribed by different manufacturers, insurers, and repair facilities. The second bill, H.R. 1566 or the REPAIR Act, would improve access to manufacturer-generated data, software, and diagnostic tools for repair professionals, allowing them to properly restore vehicle safety systems.

  • On Tuesday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held hearings on the proposed automotive technology bills.
  • The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (H.R. 6688) and the REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566) are currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

The players

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The federal agency responsible for establishing safety standards and regulations for motor vehicles in the United States.

John Voulgarakis

The founder of a Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company who believes federal guidance would address the current fragmented landscape of technical standards and calibration procedures.

Ascential Technologies

A research firm that has found that proper ADAS calibration can significantly influence system effectiveness, while poor or no calibration can render safety features unreliable or non-functional.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

A non-profit research organization that has found that the complexity of ADAS is creating cost and repair challenges as drivers seek repairs involving these advanced safety systems after crashes.

Mitre

A research organization that has found that vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) experienced roughly a 49% reduction in front-to-rear crashes.

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What they’re saying

“ADAS calibration is no longer a preference; it's a safety obligation. Federal guidance would eliminate gray areas and protect both consumers and repairers.”

— John Voulgarakis, Founder, Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company (suncommercial.com)

“Right now, ADAS standards are fragmented between OEM procedures, insurers, and shop interpretations. A federal framework would bring much-needed accountability.”

— John Voulgarakis, Founder, Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company (suncommercial.com)

“In my experience, you can't restore vehicle safety systems without access to OEM data. The REPAIR Act will help us do the job correctly, not cut risky corners.”

— John Voulgarakis, Founder, Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company (suncommercial.com)

“Calibration without OEM procedure access creates liability issues. The REPAIR Act can help us meet manufacturer standards, not guess at them.”

— John Voulgarakis, Founder, Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company (suncommercial.com)

“These bills represent a shift from viewing ADAS calibration as a technical add-on to recognizing it as a regulated safety system. As vehicles become more automated, policy must evolve alongside the technology.”

— John Voulgarakis, Founder, Philadelphia-based ADAS calibration company (suncommercial.com)

What’s next

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (H.R. 6688) and the REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566) are currently in the early stages of the legislative process. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will continue to hold hearings and debate the proposed bills before they can move forward to a full House vote.

The takeaway

The proposed federal legislation represents a recognition that as ADAS technologies become more prevalent in modern vehicles, there is a need for consistent national standards and guidelines to ensure the proper calibration and repair of these critical safety systems. This shift could have significant implications for both consumers and the automotive repair industry, potentially improving safety, transparency, and consumer choice.