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HR 9162

Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Haley Stevens

The bill bans entry of connected vehicles linked to covered countries unless a government-approved, risk-based authorization is granted and publicly disclosed.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9162

Overview

HR 9162, the Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026, would prohibit entry of “connected vehicles” from or with substantial involvement by covered countries (North Korea, China, Russia, Iran) into the United States, with limited exceptions and a framework for authorizations, regulations, and public disclosure.

Main purpose and intent

  • To safeguard U.S. national security and critical infrastructure by restricting entry of connected vehicles associated with foreign adversaries.
  • Establishes a regulatory and authorization regime to screen and, where appropriate, authorize specific vehicles to enter the U.S.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on entry (Section 2(a)):
    • A connected vehicle may not enter the U.S. if:
    • The country of origin or the design is in a covered country; or
    • The manufacturer is part of a joint venture, subsidiary, or other entity with more than 15% control owned or controlled by an entity from a covered country.
  • Narrow exception (Section 2(b)):
    • The prohibition does not apply if the vehicle:
    • Is not intended for public road use; and
    • Is brought to the U.S. solely for testing and evaluation by a U.S.-based entity not 25% or more owned/controlled by a covered country entity.
  • Authorization framework (Section 2(c)):
    • The Commissioner of CBP, with the Secretary of Commerce, can grant general or specific authorizations to enter if:
    • A written risk assessment shows no undue risk of data exfiltration, remote manipulation, threat to critical infrastructure, or other national security risks.
    • Congress is notified at least 60 days before the authorization takes effect, with an opportunity for a joint disapproval resolution during that period.
    • The Commissioner can modify or revoke authorizations with public comment opportunities.
  • Public listing and documentation (Section 2(c)(2)):
    • A publicly accessible list of authorized connected vehicles must be published (initially by Jan 1, 2027), including manufacturer, make, and model where feasible, plus a risk assessment explanation.
  • Process for new authorizations (Section 2(c)(3)):
    • By Jan 1, 2027, a procedure will be established for manufacturers to seek authorization.
  • Regulations and implementation (Section 2(d)):
    • Regulations to implement the section must be issued within 90 days, including:
    • A list of prohibited connected vehicles.
    • A plan to disseminate information to the public.
  • Effective date (Section 2(e)):
    • Prohibition takes effect 30 days after the regulations are published in the Federal Register and applies to vehicles entering on or after that date.
  • Definitions (Section 2(f)):
    • Connected vehicle: a road-using vehicle with onboard systems that communicate via wireless networks; excludes rail-only vehicles.
    • Covered country: North Korea, China, Russia, Iran.
    • Country of origin and other terms defined to determine applicability.

Who and what would be affected

  • Connected vehicles manufactured or designed in, or substantially owned/controlled by entities from, covered countries.
  • Manufacturers with significant ownership/participation from covered-country entities (over 15% control threshold).
  • Importers and carriers of such vehicles would be subject to the prohibition or must seek authorization.
  • U.S.-based testing and evaluation entities meeting the exception criteria.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Regulation development due within 90 days of enactment.
  • Initial public list of authorized items due by Jan 1, 2027.
  • Authorization procedures and public risk assessments to be provided to Congress at least 60 days before effect; potential disapproval by Congress during that window.
  • Full prohibition becomes effective 30 days after publication of final regulations, with applicability to imports thereafter.

Notes

  • The bill creates a transparent registry of authorized vehicles and requires risk-based justification for each authorization.
  • It sets a relatively narrow testing exception to accommodate non-road or evaluation activities by U.S.-based entities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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