The federal and state governments regulate auto manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling, sales and dealerships. If you are involved in the automotive industry, be sure to read the following business guides to learn more about how to comply with environmental, safety, and import regulations and standards.

Auto Sales Industry

If you plan to start an auto dealership, you should familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations pertaining the automotive industry. Here you will find resources to start your auto dealership and comply with government regulations.

General Information

• Automobiles: A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guide for Dealers
  Outlines rules, laws and regulations governing automobiles, parts, energy, and marketing.

• Tax Guide for Automotive Sales and Service Industries
  Gives tax tips, trends and statistics for the automotive industry.

Import Regulations

• Automobile Importation and Certification FAQs
  Lists answers to common questions about importing automobiles to the U.S.

• Import Requirements for Vehicles, Engines and Equipment
  Offers the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guide for importing requirements and forms for vehicles, heavy-duty trucks and nonroad engines.

• Vehicle Import Regulations
  Supplies a guide to federal vehicle importation compliance.

• How to Become a Registered Motor Vehicle Importer
  Details the application and registration process with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Auto Manufacturing

Here you will find resources that help auto manufacturers comply with government regulations.

Emissions Standards

General Information

• Emission Standards for Forklifts, Generators, and Compressors
  Covers information on controlling emissions from non-road spark-ignition (si) engines over 19 KW (25 hp).

• Emission Standards for Highway Motorcycles
  Details regulation, standards, and compliance information for controlling highway motorcycles emissions.

• Emission Standards for Lawn and Garden (Small Gasoline) Equipment
  Lists regulation and guidance, compliance fee, and certification data for non-road spark-ignition engines, ranging from lawn and garden equipment through airport service equipment.

• Emission Standards for Snowmobiles, Dirt Bikes and ATVs
  Gives regulation and compliance guidance for land-based recreational vehicles.

Laws and Programs

• Heavy-Duty Highway Diesel Engines Program
  Details 2007 Highway Rule regulations, standards, and compliance information for heavy-duty trucks and buses.

• Light-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Certification
  Offers compliance and certification information for motor vehicles less than 8,500 pounds.

• Mobile Source Air Toxics Rule
  Contains strategies and tools to reducing public risk of hazardous air pollutants from mobile sources.

• Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fees
  Lists current and proposed rules for fees under the EPA's Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program.

Compliance Resources

• Nonroad Diesel Equipment Compliance Help
  Covers compliance with the EPA's regulations related to non-road diesel engines and fuel.

• On-Board Diagnostics: Regulatory and Technical Resources
  Supplies information about current rulemakings, guidance, public testimony and policy recommendations from the EPA.

• On-Board Diagnostics(OBD): Vehicle and Engine Manufacturers
  Provides regulatory and technical documents concerning OBD in light and heavy duty vehicles.

• Vehicle Programs and Compliance Guidance Letters
  Gives the EPA's guidance and instructions about specific compliance topics and issues on the automotive industry.

Fuel Economy Standards

• Certification and Fuel Economy Information System (CFEIS)
  Details the process of entering data into the EPA's CFEIS for light-duty vehicle and truck manufacturers.

• Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards: FAQs
  Overviews CAFE standards and provides answers to questions regarding passenger cars or light trucks of 8,500 lbs. or less, manufactured for sale in the U.S.

• Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards
  Provides a CAFE program overview, related rulemaking activities, research, fleet characteristics, and summaries of manufacturers' fuel economy performance.

• Fuel Economy Testing, Reporting and Labeling: Regulations and Standards
  Explains, in detail, the EPA's fuel economy rules, regulations, and standards.

Safety Standards

General Information

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
  Offers full text of regulations covering safety standards of motor vehicles.

• Quick Reference Guide to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations
  Describes safety standards and regulations for motor vehicles.

• Vehicle and Equipment Safety Regulations and Standards
  Outlines the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations and standards for passenger vehicles.

• FAQs About Bumpers
  Lists answers to questions on federal regulations and standards for automobile bumpers.

Safety Standards for Specific Vehicles

• Safety Requirements for Motorcycle Manufacturers
  Gives a guide to federal laws and regulations for motorcycle manufacturers.

• Safety Requirements for Trailer Manufacturers
  Provides information on legislation and regulations for trailer manufacturers.

• Federal Lighting Equipment Location Requirements for Trailers
  Contains the Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard's requirements for lighting equipment on trailers.