Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS) means a hardware or software item installed in or on a completed connected vehicle that directly enables the function of transmission, receipt, conversion, or processing of radio frequency communications at a frequency over 450 megahertz. VCS does not include a hardware or software item that exclusively:

(1) enables the transmission, receipt, conversion, or processing of automotive sensing (e.g., LiDAR, radar, video, ultrawideband);

(2) enables the transmission, receipt, conversion, or processing of ultrawideband communications to directly enable physical vehicle access (e.g., key fobs);

(3) enables the receipt, conversion or processing of unidirectional radio frequency bands (e.g., global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), satellite radio, AM/FM radio); or

(4) supplies or manages power for the VCS.

VCS hardware means software-enabled or programmable components if they directly enable the function of and are directly connected to Vehicle Connectivity Systems, or are part of an item that directly enables the function of Vehicle Connectivity Systems, including but not limited to: microcontroller, microcomputers or modules, systems on a chip, networking or telematics units, cellular modem/modules, Wi-Fi microcontrollers or modules, Bluetooth microcontrollers or modules, satellite communication systems, other wireless communication microcontrollers or modules, external antennas, digital signal processors, and field-programmable gate arrays. VCS hardware does not include component parts that do not contribute to the communication function of VCS hardware (e.g., brackets, fasteners, plastics, and passive electronics, diodes, field-effect transistors, and bipolar junction transistors).

Please be advised that firmware is considered a covered VCS hardware item.

Covered Software & VCS Hardware

Quick links

Overview

Covered Software

What is covered software?

What is the “legacy software” exclusion and to what Model Years does the exclusion apply?

I am a connected vehicle manufacturer planning to purchase the intellectual property rights of covered software code developed by a foreign adversary-owned entity before March 17, 2026. After March 17, will this code be considered covered software?

VCS Hardware

What is VCS and VCS hardware?

What does “directly enabled” mean in the context of VCS hardware?

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