You pull up to a red light. Your engine shuts off. A second later, it kicks back on. Then it does it again at the next stop.
That “auto start-stop” feature has been driving Americans crazy for years.
Now, help may finally be on the way.
On February 10, Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump, posted on X that a major announcement is coming this week.
Countless Americans passionately despise the start/stop feature in cars. So many have spoken out against this absurd start-stop-start-stop-start-stop concept.
The Trump Admin has heard your calls and the announcement you have been waiting for is coming THIS WEEK. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/KDJ3DuFOIS
— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) February 10, 2026
“Countless Americans passionately despise the start/stop feature in cars,” Zeldin wrote. He added that the Trump Administration has heard drivers loud and clear and that “the announcement you have been waiting for is coming THIS WEEK.”
The post took off fast, pulling in more than 10,000 likes and hundreds of reposts, with drivers cheering the news.
What is Auto Start-Stop?
Auto start-stop is a system that shuts off your engine when you come to a full stop, like at a traffic light or in traffic. When you lift your foot off the brake, the engine starts again.
The idea is to save fuel and cut emissions while you sit still.
Federal regulators encouraged automakers to add the feature in the 2010s by giving them fuel economy credits. The EPA once estimated it could improve city gas mileage by about 4 to 5 percent, though real-world results vary.
Most cars have a button, usually an “A” inside a circle, that lets you turn it off. But in many models, it resets every time you restart the car. Some vehicles don’t allow permanent shutoff at all unless you buy aftermarket parts.
Why Drivers Hate It
Drivers complain that the restart feels slow and jerky.
People worry about extra wear on starters and batteries.
And many say the tiny fuel savings aren’t worth the constant annoyance.
Over time, auto start-stop became a symbol of government “green” rules that put climate goals ahead of driver comfort and common sense.
Zeldin has been openly critical of the system since at least mid-2025, calling it something “everyone hates.” He’s said the EPA is working to remove the regulatory credits that pushed car companies to install it in the first place.
That means automakers would no longer get rewarded for forcing this feature into new vehicles.
Part of a Bigger Rollback
This move fits into President Trump’s broader push to cut vehicle regulations.
The administration has already started rolling back stricter fuel economy rules and electric vehicle mandates put in place under prior leadership.
The goal is to lower costs, give manufacturers more freedom, and let drivers choose what works for them.
Critics argue that weakening these rules could increase emissions and slow progress on climate goals. Environmental groups say every small fuel-saving feature adds up.
But many conservatives push back that Washington shouldn’t force unwanted tech into people’s cars for marginal gains, especially when it raises costs and frustrates drivers.
What Comes Next?
Zeldin hasn’t shared full details yet. The announcement could involve a final rule, new guidance for automakers, or steps that make it easier to permanently disable the feature in future models.
Either way, it sounds like the days of mandatory start-stop may be numbered.
If you’re one of the many Nevada drivers who hits that disable button every single time you start your car, this is welcome news.
Drivers asked. The Trump EPA listened.
If auto start-stop finally goes away, it’ll be one small win that feels pretty big at every red light.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
