The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has suspended all crash testing assessments in the midst of the US government’s forced shutdown by Donald Trump.
A spokesperson who AutoTalk understands is working voluntarily at the Department of Transport says NHTSA has ceased all crash testing and vehicle assessment since the December 22 shutdown.
The road safety body, unlike other new car assessment programs around the globe, is government run, meaning its team won’t operate until public funding is restored by the Trump administration.
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes,” the spokesperson says.
“During a government shutdown, some key agency functions will be discontinued until funding is restored,” the agency explains.
“Functions funded by the Highway Trust Fund will continue while those funded by annual appropriations will be suspended, including safety defect investigations, field crash investigations, review of consumer complaints, and notification of new vehicle and equipment recalls,” they add.
The NHTSA representative also explains that it “may recall furloughed employees if NHTSA becomes aware of information concerning suspended functions that involve imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property.”
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