The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 is designed to enhance motor vehicle safety and improve the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) safety programs, particularly in response to advancements in vehicle technologies such as automated driving systems. The act establishes a comprehensive safety rulemaking and research priority plan that the NHTSA must regularly update. This plan will outline upcoming safety regulations, research priorities, and timelines for implementation, ensuring that safety standards evolve alongside technological advancements.