Why don’t cars have bulky bumpers anymore? 

If you’ve ever driven a bumper car at an amusement park, you’ve probably noticed its main feature: the bumper. Designed to absorb impact, the rubber bumpers protect recreational bumper car occupants from harm. The same concept applies to passenger car bumpers, which have undergone significant changes over the years since vehicles first hit the road.

A significant shift in federal regulations for bumpers began in the 1973 model year when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard “Standard No. 215” took effect. Automakers were required to demonstrate that their cars could withstand a 5-mph front collision without damage, leading to a frenzy of design changes.

Even iconic cars like the Lamborghini Countach were not exempt from these regulations for U.S. models and had to undergo modifications that were considered sacrilegious to the supercar’s design. Unattractive bumpers were added to the front of the Countach to comply with the regulations, a sight that many would prefer to forget.

The less appealing side of bumper evolution

Standard No. 215 was met with resistance, but it had to be followed. This regulation forced automotive designers to rethink their approach. While it may have hindered some design progress, it also spurred the development of new technologies.

“Prior to the 5-mph bumper law, mainstream cars were integrating bumpers into the overall design theme. The bumpers were becoming more inset, recessed, and a significant part of the front-end graphics,” said General Motors’ VP of Design Wayne Cherry in an interview with Hagerty. “The 5-mph bumper requirements halted the evolution of bumper design as an integral part of the design theme for nearly two decades. It also accelerated the development of flexible materials, taking bumper design integration to a new level.”

Between 1973 and 1982, cars gained weight due to the addition of heavy bumpers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later amended the bumper standard, leading to further changes. In 1983, the regulation guidelines were reduced to 2.5 miles per hour in the front and 1.5 mph in the corners.

“Bumpers are now a standard feature on all vehicles,” said Vince Galante, Vice President of Jeep Design. “Today, they are cleverly concealed behind fascia layers for aesthetics and improved aerodynamics, with foam for cushioning and low-speed impact protection. Some vehicles still feature exposed bumpers, like the steel ones on the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, which are not only functional but also modular, allowing for additional accessories.”

The current state of bumpers

Jon Ruud, senior manager of Safety Performance Engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America, explains that bumpers may not be as visible as before but are still performing their function in a more advanced manner due to improved engineering.

Nissan’s approach includes a plastic fascia, high-density energy-absorbing foam, and a metal bumper beam underneath for enhanced protection in various collision scenarios. These components work together to minimize damage in low-speed impacts and provide structural integrity in higher-speed crashes.

“Safety standards have progressed, and so have our designs,” Ruud emphasizes. “We strive to strike a balance between safety, durability, and customer expectations. Even if traditional exposed metal bumpers are no longer visible, the impact-absorbing structures remain ready to perform when needed.”

In a passionate article on Jalopnik, journalist Jason Torchinsky laments the underappreciation of bumpers, highlighting their importance in protecting vehicles. He argues that bumpers should be designed to absorb damage effectively without compromising the overall appearance of the vehicle.

While bumpers deserve recognition for their critical role, opinions on the best bumper materials may vary, especially regarding the aesthetic appeal of black rubber bumpers like those seen on the Lamborghini Countach.

This story is part of Popular Science’s Ask Us Anything series, where we address a range of intriguing questions from everyday to eccentric.

Have a burning question you’ve always wanted to ask? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for answers.

More deals, reviews, and buying guides

The PopSci team has tested hundreds of products and spent thousands of hours trying to find the best gear and gadgets you can buy.