The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) has proposed adding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as a required technician certification category under the state's Motor Vehicle Body and Salvage Vehicle Repair regulation, filed May 26, with a public comment period open through June 25, 2026.
Under the current rule, technicians at licensed collision repair facilities must hold certifications in seven categories: damage analysis, frame measuring and straightening, welding, structural steel repairs, suspension and steering systems, safety restraint systems, and corrosion protection, according to Section 2.12 of the active regulation. The proposal would add ADAS as an eighth, affecting shops holding Full Collision Repair Class A and Class B licenses, as well as several other license types under the regulation.
Why regulators say the change is needed
In its purpose and reason statement accompanying the proposed rule, the department cited the prevalence of ADAS in the current vehicle fleet as the basis for the change.
"Most new cars now have Advanced Drivers' Assistance Systems, which are safety features that alert the driver in situations where immediate action may be necessary," the department wrote in the proposed rulemaking notice. "Because most vehicles now have these interrelated and interconnected safety features on which drivers depend, all auto body technicians should have a minimum level of knowledge and education in ADAS functionality and repairs."
Heavy trucks and paint shops would be exempt
The proposal would exempt two license categories from the new ADAS requirement. The Limited Heavy Truck and Equipment License and the Limited Paint, Restoration and Customization License would not require ADAS certification under the proposed changes, according to the rulemaking notice.
The proposed rule also includes a new definition for "Advanced Driver Assistance System" in Section 2.3, consistent with a definition being proposed concurrently in amendments to Rhode Island's auto glass regulation, the department stated in the filing.
ADAS work is expanding across the country
The proposal comes as ADAS calibration requirements appear on a growing share of collision repair estimates nationally. According to CCC Intelligent Solutions' annual Crash Course 2026 report, calibrations appeared on 28.3% of all repairable appraisals in 2025, up from 21.8% the year before.
ASE has also moved to address ADAS training demand at the national level. The organization announced it is developing a new ADAS calibration credential to ensure technicians have the foundational knowledge and skills required to perform accurate calibrations, as previously reported.
A bipartisan federal bill directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish ADAS calibration standards — the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, incorporated into the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 — passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee in May and is awaiting full House consideration.
Repair facilities and other stakeholders may view the proposed regulation text or submit written comments on the proposed amendment through June 25 via the Rhode Island Secretary of State's public rulemaking portal.
