The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that it will begin testing vehicles in September using more stringent safety requirements, quite possibly leading many 5-star rated vehicles to drop in acclaim.

The new tests and restrictions, which have been planned for a number of years, are designed to streamline the safety rating process. Rather than different star ratings for different tests, vehicles will now be assigned one rating on a five star scale. When the measures were initially announced a few years ago, the NHTSA said that many five and four star vehicles may actually drop to 2 stars, thanks to the more accurate and harsher system.

“This new testing program significantly raises the safety bar for all vehicle manufacturers,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The group hopes that the new requirements will encourage automakers to make safer vehicles. The NHTSA has ordered numerous recalls lately for seemingly minor issues, after being given new authority and oversight in the wake of the Toyota unintended acceleration scandal.

Those who plan on buying a used car should always have the car checked out by a mechanic to ensure that it is up to safety standards.