US auto safety rules will no longer test fuel tanks for rear-end crashes

US auto safety regulators are removing old rules for how car fuel systems must perform in crashes. This means car manufacturers will no longer have to prove their fuel tanks can withstand rear-end collisions.

For decades, cars had to meet specific standards to prevent fuel leaks and fires after a crash. These rules were written when fuel tanks were often in the rear of the vehicle and vulnerable. Modern car designs have moved fuel tanks to safer locations, making the old rear-impact tests less relevant. This change removes a testing burden for manufacturers, but also eliminates a specific safety check that was once mandatory.