The NHTSA proposed the first national framework for automated driving systems (ADS).
The AV STEP program aims to enhance reporting requirements and transparency for self-driving vehicles in the autonomous vehicle industry.
The proposed voluntary framework mandates self-driving vehicle companies to join a structured program for improved public transparency and data sharing.
NHTSA Chief Counsel Adam Raviv emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that
“safe, transparent, and responsible development is critical for this technology to be trusted by the public and reach its full potential.”
The proposal, formally issued as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), would establish two key components.
First, it would increase the amount of publicly available information about self-driving vehicles in the United States.
Second, It would provide manufacturers, operators, and municipalities enhanced access to data on public awareness and incidents involving ADS-equipped vehicles.
Notably, the program introduces two new exemption processes for ADS deployment, providing companies with greater regulatory flexibility for commercial services.
This comes as companies race to deploy commercial robotaxis and other autonomous vehicle services.
The NHTSA has opened public comment on proposal NHTSA-2024-0100, inviting stakeholder feedback on the proposed framework.
This development comes amid broader political considerations regarding autonomous vehicle regulation.
President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly planning significant changes to self-driving vehicle regulations.
According to Bloomberg, Trump’s transition team is prioritizing a federal framework for autonomous vehicles in his upcoming term.
The administration is reportedly considering eliminating automated driving crash report rules, which could benefit Tesla, especially with CEO Elon Musk’s planned role in Trump’s administration.
Current NHTSA regulations prohibit the volume deployment of self-driving vehicles without traditional controls like steering wheels or accelerator pedals.
This restriction would need to be modified to accommodate emerging technologies such as Tesla’s Cybercab and similar autonomous vehicle platforms.
The NHTSA has prepared an unofficial version of the full proposal for internet circulation, while the official version remains pending.
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