Every manufacturer of new automobiles distributed in commerce shall, prior to the delivery of any new automobile to any dealer, or at or prior to the introduction date of new models delivered to a dealer prior to such introduction date, securely affix to the windshield, or side window of such automobile a label on which such manufacturer shall endorse clearly, distinctly and legibly true and correct entries disclosing the following information concerning such automobileChecked 2026-08-11
Monroney window sticker
The label federal law requires on a new car's window, listing suggested price, optional equipment and fuel economy.
Also called: Monroney sticker · Monroney label · window sticker
What it means
Definition
Federal law requires every manufacturer of new automobiles to affix a label to the windshield or side window before the car is delivered to a dealer, disclosing the manufacturer's suggested retail price and the suggested price of each item of optional equipment attached to it. Since the mid-1970s the EPA fuel economy label has appeared on that same window sticker, as required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The sticker is a new-car document; a used car no longer carries it.
Why a buyer cares
What it changes
A copy of the original sticker settles what equipment the car actually left the factory with, which is what a listing's option list can be checked against.
In practice
Where you meet it
On the side window of a new vehicle. On a used car, only as a copy kept by the original owner, the dealer, or the manufacturer.
Two things that look alike
Not the same as
The FTC Buyers Guide is a different window form, posted by dealers on used cars, covering warranty status rather than price and equipment.
Read next
Related terms
Where this comes from
Sources
Fuel economy labels have been displayed on the window sticker of all new light duty cars and trucks since the mid-1970s, as required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.Checked 2026-08-11