Overview
- From November 1, 2025, newly introduced hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, battery‑electric and hydrogen fuel‑cell models must emit an audible sound at low speeds.
- The requirement extends to heavier vehicles, with electric trucks and buses included in the mandate.
- All new vehicles that meet the definition must comply by November 1, 2026, with timing linked to each model’s federal approval date.
- Vehicles already on the road are not required to be retrofitted, though many models sold locally already feature the technology.
- Federal modelling projects up to 68 fewer deaths, 2,675 fewer serious injuries and about $208 million in community savings by 2060, with advocates highlighting benefits for people who are blind or have low vision.