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Monroney Sticker Explained by a Former Car Dealer

Last updated Jul 18, 2025

Key Takeaways

    • The Monroney sticker (aka window sticker) is required by law on every new car sold in the U.S.

    • It lists crucial details like MSRP, options, fuel economy, crash test ratings, and vehicle origin.

    • The law behind this label was created to protect consumers from misleading sales practices.

    • Dealer-installed options are not included on the Monroney sticker and are shown separately.

Understanding what’s on a new car’s window can save you from overpaying or falling for dealer tricks. If you’ve ever heard the terms Monroney sticker or window sticker and felt confused — you’re not alone. These labels are crucial for transparency when buying a car, and every buyer should know what to look for.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a Monroney sticker is, why it exists, and how to read it. You’ll leave feeling more confident and equipped to understand what a car really includes — no matter what a salesperson might tell you.

What Is a Car’s Monroney Sticker?

Before car buyers had access to standardized pricing, buying a car was like walking into the Wild West. Salespeople could pick and choose what to tell you — and what to charge.

That all changed with the creation of the Monroney sticker, a federally mandated label that must be displayed on every new car for sale in the U.S. You’ll also hear it referred to as the window sticker — they’re the same thing.

This label lists everything a shopper needs to know about the car’s equipment, price, and origin. It was designed to protect buyers and level the playing field.

Only 9% of Americans say car salespeople have high ethical standards — the lowest of any profession according to Gallup. That’s why federal law stepped in.

Here’s what’s included on every Monroney sticker:

  • Where the car was built, including a breakdown of parts by country of origin
  • Warranty coverage
  • Engine and drivetrain specs
  • Manufacturer-installed options and their prices
  • The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
  • Official EPA fuel economy ratings
  • Government crash test ratings

Check out an example of where you’ll find this important information:

📌 Important: Dealer-installed accessories (like pinstripes, floor mats, or nitrogen tires) are not listed on the Monroney sticker. They appear on a separate dealer addendum sticker, which is not federally regulated.


Why Is It Called a Monroney Sticker?

The name comes from Senator Almer “Mike” Monroney, who sponsored the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958. Signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower, the act required automakers to include standardized labels on all new cars.

Before this law, car buyers had no way to verify what was included in a vehicle or whether the price was fair.

Monroney was a leader in consumer protection and also played a role in creating the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His legacy lives on every time you look at a new car’s window sticker.

Want to learn more about the law? Visit the Consumer Protection Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice.

What’s Included on a Window Sticker?

Let’s recap what you’ll find on a new car’s Monroney (window) sticker. This information is required by law and cannot be altered or removed by dealers:

  • Final assembly location and parts content by country
  • Basic warranty coverage and powertrain warranty
  • Engine specs, drivetrain, and transmission type
  • List of factory-installed options with individual pricing
  • Total MSRP, including destination fees
  • EPA fuel economy estimates and annual fuel cost projections
  • NHTSA crash test ratings, where applicable

💡 Tip: If you don’t see this sticker on a new car, ask why — and consider walking away.


How to Read a Car’s Window Sticker

So you’re standing on a dealership lot — where should your eyes go first?

The Edmunds guide to reading a window sticker is an excellent visual breakdown. You can view it here, but here’s a quick summary:

  1. Top Left: Vehicle info (make, model, VIN, color, final assembly location)
  2. Top Right: Fuel economy, emissions, and fuel costs
  3. Middle Section: List of standard features and optional equipment
  4. Bottom Line: Total MSRP with itemized pricing
  5. Bottom Right: Parts content, country of origin, and government safety ratings

Why the Window Sticker Matters More Than Ever

In today’s car market, dealer markups and confusing add-ons are everywhere. But the Monroney sticker keeps it real — it’s the one label they can’t legally change.

When you’re comparing similar vehicles across different dealerships, the window sticker helps you:

  • Spot pricing differences
  • Avoid duplicate charges for options
  • Compare warranties and specs side by side
  • Uncover where the car was truly made

Want to See the Window Sticker Without Going to the Dealership?

Whether you’re shopping used or just want to do your research from home, you no longer have to visit the lot to see the original window sticker. CarEdge now offers access to digital Monroney stickers on most vehicles — giving you instant insight into the car’s features, options, and MSRP breakdown.

✅ Great for used cars that originally included premium options
✅ Helps compare trim levels and original pricing
✅ Saves time and reveals red flags before you visit the dealership

View the original window sticker — and shop smarter from the start.

FAQs About the Monroney Sticker

Q: Is a Monroney sticker required by law?
A: Yes. Every new car for sale in the U.S. must display a Monroney sticker — it’s federal law.

Q: Are Monroney and window stickers the same thing?
A: Yes. These two terms refer to the same federally required label.

Q: Can dealers alter or remove the Monroney sticker?
A: No. It’s illegal for dealers to modify or remove the sticker prior to sale.

Q: Does the window sticker include dealer add-ons?
A: No. Only manufacturer-installed options are listed. Dealer-installed accessories appear on a separate sticker.

Q: Do used cars have a Monroney sticker?
A: No. The law only applies to brand-new vehicles. However, used vehicles may have copies of the original sticker or digital replicas provided by the dealer.

About CarEdge

Founded by industry veterans, CarEdge is your trusted resource for transparent car buying. From understanding pricing to negotiating deals and avoiding scams, we provide data-backed insights, expert tools, and concierge services to help you buy with confidence.Want help with your next car purchase? Let us find and negotiate the best deal for you! Explore CarEdge’s car buying help today.

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