As advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) become standard on more vehicles, the vehicle graphics industry is paying closer attention to how evolving vehicle technology affects wraps and other aftermarket modifications. A recent legislative development in Congress could help provide greater clarity for installers, manufacturers, and vehicle owners alike.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently approved H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, which includes the bipartisan ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, H.R. 6688, in Section 221. The legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study how common vehicle modifications affect ADAS technologies and develop data-driven guidance to help ensure safety systems continue to function as intended after vehicles are customized. Vehicle wraps are specifically identified among the modifications covered by the proposal.
For vehicle graphics installers, the bill could represent an important step toward establishing clear national guidance around the interaction between wraps and technologies such as cameras, sensors, automatic emergency braking systems, lane-departure warnings, and other safety features increasingly found on modern vehicles. As more commercial fleets and individual consumers adopt wrapped vehicles for branding and customization, the need for certainty regarding ADAS compatibility continues to grow.
"The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act ensures that vehicles with advanced driver assistance features can be modified without compromising the integrity of these important safety systems," said Eric Snyder, Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs. "I'm proud of the work SEMA and other industry partners have put in to build bipartisan support for this landmark bill, which was integral in getting it included in the vehicle safety portion of the 2026 highway bill. Americans deserve confidence that the critical safety features they've paid for will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, including after they customize or modify. This bill marks a critical step forward for both vehicle safety and protecting the American people's right to modify their vehicles."
The legislation requires NHTSA to study the impact of common modifications on ADAS performance and evaluate issues such as sensor and camera functionality, calibration procedures, and acceptable modification ranges. If the agency determines that doing so is practical and feasible, it could subsequently develop guidelines to help vehicle owners, installers, and manufacturers better understand how modifications can be performed while preserving safety system functionality.
For printing companies involved in vehicle wraps and fleet graphics, such guidance could help reduce uncertainty, support best practices, and reinforce consumer confidence in wrapped vehicles equipped with sophisticated safety technologies. As ADAS systems become even more prevalent in future model-year vehicles, clear standards and calibration guidance may become increasingly important for maintaining both safety and business growth.
The bill now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration. PRINTING United Alliance supports the bill and will continue monitoring developments and keeping members informed about federal policies that could affect vehicle graphics, fleet branding, and other specialty printing applications.
About SEMA
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is the leading association behind the $52 billion+ specialty automotive aftermarket. We unite manufacturers, resellers, builders, and enthusiasts under one voice to move the industry forward. As a membership‑based nonprofit, our mission is simple: to foster the success of the automotive aftermarket.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on vehicle modernization legislation and its impact on the wrap installation community. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.