Skip to content
Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

House Panel Reviews SAFE Exit Act Requiring Manual Door Releases in All New Cars

Also known as: SAFE Exit Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(2)
Physical Disability
Helps
Sensory Disability
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would require new cars with electronic door latches to also have a manual, power-free way to open each door from inside.
  • The Transportation Department would have 2 years after the law is enacted to write a final safety rule, including clear labels so people can find the manual release fast.
  • The rule would also need a way for emergency responders to get into the passenger area if the car loses electrical power.
  • If the rule is finalized, carmakers would have up to 2 more years to meet the new requirements in newly made vehicles.
TransportationConsumer ProtectionInfrastructure

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 6, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Jan 6, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 2 years after the bill becomes law

Transportation Department issues a final rule updating the federal door-lock/door-latch safety standard (Standard 206) for vehicles with electronic door latches.

This is when the exact requirements become clear—what the manual release must feel like, where it must be placed, and what labels must say. Manufacturers can then design to the final checklist.

No later than 2 years after the final rule is issued

New vehicles covered by the rule must start meeting the updated requirements (manual release + labeling + responder access when power is lost).

Shoppers buying newly made vehicles in the covered category should start seeing clearer, mechanical emergency exits that work even with a dead battery or electrical failure.

Related News

5 articles
Bloomberg·20 days ago

Auto Safety Bill Targeting Electric Doors Advances in US House

U.S. lawmakers advanced the SAFE Exit Act, which would require manual releases in new vehicles with electrically powered door handles. The bill aims to address safety concerns following incidents where occupants were trapped inside vehicles after electronic systems failed during crashes.

C=
CarPro·about 2 months ago

U.S. Rep. Proposes New Law For Car Door Handles

The SAFE Exit Act directs the NHTSA to establish standards ensuring vehicle doors can be opened easily from the inside and outside even when electrical systems are disabled. It requires a mechanical, power-independent release for every door along with standardized labeling.

C=
Military.com·about 2 months ago

Congressional SAFE Exit Act Could Make Electric Door Handles Safer

The bill would require NHTSA to establish guidelines for electric door handle operation and labeling. It specifically addresses concerns that manual overrides are often hidden or non-intuitive, making it difficult for passengers to escape during emergencies like vehicle fires.

C=

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

SAFE Exit Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 6947
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.