Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would ban connected vehicles from entering the U.S. if they originate from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Connected vehicles are cars or trucks that use wireless connectivity like cellular, satellite, or other networked technology.
• The ban also covers vehicles made by companies where a foreign adversary holds more than 15 percent ownership or control, even if the car is technically built in a third country.
• The bill reflects national security concerns that connected cars from adversary nations could be used for data collection or even remote manipulation. Vehicles must be shown to not pose risks of data exfiltration or remote operation to receive an exemption.
• There is a narrow exception for vehicles brought in solely for testing and evaluation by U.S.-based entities that are not controlled by foreign adversaries, as long as the vehicles are not driven on public roads.
• If enacted, Customs and Border Protection would have 90 days to issue regulations including a list of banned vehicles, and the ban would take effect 30 days after those regulations are published.