SAFE Exit Act of 2026

This bill requires new safety standards for vehicles with electronic door locks, mandating a manual release mechanism for occupants to open doors during emergencies. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers and new car models, requiring them to install an intuitive, power-independent manual release for each door and a way for emergency responders to access the vehicle if electrical power fails. The rulemaking process must be completed within two years of the bill's enactment, with full compliance required by the end of the fourth year. These changes aim to improve emergency egress during power outages or accidents, applying to all new vehicles equipped with electronic door latch systems.