Summary
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed rules for reporting and transparency for vehicles with self-driving features
- The proposal is called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) and is a voluntary national framework for automated driving systems
- The goal is to increase transparency into self-driving vehicles and provide a national framework for the development of ADS technology
- The proposal includes two new exemption processes for deploying ADS systems and will offer increased regulatory flexibility
- President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly looking to eliminate existing rules surrounding automated driving crash reports to streamline automated vehicle development
Article
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a voluntary national framework for automated driving systems (ADS) called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP). This program aims to increase transparency and reporting requirements for companies that operate self-driving vehicles on public roads. The proposal would provide more publicly available information on self-driving vehicles in the U.S. and offer manufacturers, operators, and municipalities data on public awareness and incidents related to vehicles with ADS systems. The agency has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the framework, which includes two new exemption processes for ADS systems to be deployed.
The AV STEP program would also create regulatory flexibility for companies looking to launch commercial self-driving services. The agency has emphasized the importance of safe, transparent, and responsible development of ADS technology in order to build trust with the public and reach the full potential of the technology. Stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the proposed program, and there will be a period for public comment once the rules are published. The proposal aligns with the NHTSA’s safety mission and aims to support the development of self-driving technology in the U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in eliminating existing rules around automated driving crash reports to streamline automated vehicle development. This move could benefit companies like Tesla, especially with CEO Elon Musk expected to serve in Trump’s administration. The current NHTSA rules prohibit self-driving vehicles without a steering wheel or accelerator pedals from being deployed at scale, which would need to be changed to accommodate vehicles like Tesla’s Cybercab. Trump’s transition team is said to be working on a federal framework for self-driving vehicles and making automated driving a priority during his upcoming term.
The proposal from the NHTSA comes at a crucial time as companies race to deploy commercial robotaxis with self-driving features. The AV STEP program aims to provide a national framework for the development and deployment of ADS technology. The focus on transparency, reporting, and public awareness is intended to ensure the safe and responsible development of self-driving vehicles. The agency’s proposal includes new exemption processes and regulatory flexibility for companies looking to launch self-driving services, as well as a period for public comment on the rules once they are published.
The NHTSA’s proposal is part of a broader effort to regulate and support the development of self-driving technology in the U.S. The agency’s focus on reporting and transparency is intended to build trust with the public and ensure the safe adoption of self-driving vehicles. The proposed rules would increase the amount of publicly available information on self-driving vehicles and provide stakeholders with more data on incidents related to ADS systems. The agency’s emphasis on safety, transparency, and responsibility aligns with its mission to promote road safety and support the development of innovative automotive technologies like self-driving features.
Overall, the NHTSA’s proposal for a voluntary national framework for automated driving systems represents a significant step towards regulating and supporting the development of self-driving technology in the U.S. The AV STEP program aims to increase transparency and reporting requirements for companies operating self-driving vehicles, while also providing regulatory flexibility for companies looking to launch commercial self-driving services. The proposal aligns with the NHTSA’s safety mission and supports the development of self-driving technology in the U.S., at a time when companies are working to deploy commercial robotaxis with self-driving features.
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