Varnum’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance team provides focused, agency-informed counsel to clients navigating the evolving federal and international frameworks governing vehicle technology and safety. We advise on regulatory compliance, policy strategy, and legal risk across the mobility ecosystem, with particular strength in automated and connected vehicles, data governance, and vehicle cybersecurity.
Our team includes a former senior attorney at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, who helped shape federal policies on Automated Driving Systems (ADS), operational cybersecurity response, and international vehicle safety standards. Drawing on this direct agency experience, as well as prior in-house roles with leading OEMs, our attorneys provide practical and forward-thinking guidance that aligns with product development and market strategy.
A deep understanding of our clients’ products and operations is central to our approach. Varnum attorneys are fluent in the design and manufacturing process, applicable safety testing, and relevant industry and government standards. We advise on matters involving the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, FMVSS compliance, regulatory inquiries, data use and privacy, and engagement with key agencies such as NHTSA, DOT, DHS, EPA, and the U.S. Trade Representative. Our experience also includes foreign investment reviews through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and representation of client interests in international forums such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
In addition to regulatory strategy, the team provides comprehensive support on vehicle recalls and defect-related compliance. We help clients manage internal investigations, regulatory communications, and risk exposure while preparing responses to NHTSA inquiries, recall notices, and Early Warning Reporting (EWR) obligations. Our work is grounded in direct experience, including service on the leadership team for the DOJ-appointed Independent Monitor of General Motors, as well as our ongoing representation of a publicly traded, top five global automotive supplier in FMVSS compliance and recall readiness. With insight into NHTSA’s enforcement priorities and procedures, we guide clients through complex recall scenarios with clarity, timeliness, and regulatory alignment.
Whether advising on policy advocacy, tracking emerging regulatory developments, or supporting incident response, our team delivers solution-oriented counsel to help clients remain compliant, competitive, and prepared in a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.
