ADAS Systems

ADAS systems have been categorized by NHTSA into what eras these systems became standard equipment. Per the NHTSA website, as of 07/2023, they are listed as follows: 

  • 1950 – 2000

    • Safety/Convenience Features, Cruise Control, Seat Belts, Antilock Brakes.

  • 2000 – 2010

    • Advanced Safety Features, Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning.

  • 2010 – 2016

    • Advanced Driver Assistance Features, Rearview Video Systems, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Centering Assist. 

  • 2016 – 2025

    • Partially Automated Safety Features, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assist.

  • 2025+ 

    • Fully Automated Safety Features.



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued guidelines for ADAS calibration in 2016, which recommended that ADAS systems be calibrated after any collision that affects the vehicle’s structure or suspension. This will vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle and the type of ADAS technology installed on that vehicle by the manufacturer. Many manufacturers have developed their own guidelines for ADAS calibration, and some manufacturers have made it a requirement for certain ADAS systems. It’s worth noting that the need for ADAS calibration after a collision may not always be obvious; it’s important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. The absence of a fault code or dashboard light does not mean that an ADAS sensor is working properly or that it doesn’t have to be recalibrated. Documentation regarding the manufacturer's required calibration, vehicle prerequisites, and calibration processes will be obtained from the vehicle manufacturer.

The ADAS systems currently in production today are enabling companies to produce vehicles capable of Automated Driving or Autonomous vehicles. An Automated Driving System (ADS) is a system that is capable of controlling a vehicle’s movement without the need for human input. ADS technology uses a combination of sensors, cameras, and software algorithms to perceive the vehicle’s environment, make decisions, and control its movement. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) currently has the ADS systems classified from Level 1 to Level 5:

  • Level 1: Driver assistance. The vehicle is equipped with a single automated driving feature, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Lane Departure Warning (LDW), that can assist the driver with certain tasks.

  • Level 2: Partial automation. The vehicle is equipped with multiple automated driving features that can work together to control the vehicle's movement. The driver is still responsible for monitoring the system and taking control if necessary. 

  • Level 3: Conditional automation: The vehicle is capable of controlling its movement in certain situations. The driver is still responsible for monitoring the system and taking control if necessary. 

  • Level 4: High automation. The vehicle is capable of controlling its movement in most situations without the need for human input. The driver is still responsible for monitoring the system and taking control if necessary. 

  • Level 5: Full automation. The vehicle is capable of controlling its movement in all situations without the need for human input.