Regulatory Compliance News

FCC Updates Equipment Authorization Guidance for C-V2X Devices

The Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory Division published updated KDB guidance, designated as Publication 511808 D01 C-V2X v02, outlining the administrative and technical procedures for certifying Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything devices. This publication supersedes the earlier waiver-based guidance (511808 D01 C-V2X Waiver v01r01) and establishes formal equipment authorization rules under 47 CFR Part 90 Subpart M and Part 95 Subpart L. The updated framework governs operations in the upper 30 megahertz of the 5.9 GHz Intelligent Transportation Systems band, specifically spanning 5895 MHz to 5925 MHz, as part of the broader federal transition away from legacy Dedicated Short-Range Communications technology.

Under the updated guidelines, the FCC introduced revised equipment classification codes that replace legacy waiver-based designations. Roadside Units are categorized under equipment class CVR, while On-Board Units are split into distinct classes depending on feature set, using CVO for devices without geofencing capabilities and CVG for devices featuring geofencing. Modular approvals are subject to specific restrictions; modular certifications are permitted for Roadside Units and non-geofenced On-Board Units provided integration instructions specify operational constraints, such as the requirement that Roadside Unit antenna radiation centers remain within eight meters above the roadway surface, whereas geofenced On-Board Unit modules are strictly prohibited.

To manage market compliance, the Commission established clear rules for existing inventory and future device modifications. Equipment previously approved under initial waiver orders remains grandfathered, provided no technical or firmware changes occur; however, adding functionality under the new formal rules to an existing waiver-certified device requires an entirely new FCC ID and grant application rather than a permissive change. Furthermore, legacy Dedicated Short-Range Communications equipment is subject to a firm phase-out schedule, with all remaining DSRC operations required to permanently cease on or before December 14, 2026. Automotive manufacturers, module integrators, and testing laboratories must align technical evaluations, including occupied bandwidth and emission measurements under ANSI C63.26 standards, with these finalized procedural rules to secure market access for next-generation connected vehicle systems.