The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing three new rules in its efforts to modernize Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). All pertain to the agency's new Automated Vehicle (AV) Framework, part of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s innovation agenda announced earlier this year. NHTSA says the updates prioritize safety while eliminating redundant requirements. Current FMVSS standards were written decades ago and don't account for automated vehicles.
“America must lead the way in transportation innovation. If we don’t, our adversaries will fill the void,” said Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “The rules of the road need to be updated to fit the realities of the 21st century. Our changes will eliminate redundant requirements and bring us closer to a single national standard that spurs innovation and prioritizes safety.”
“Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were written for vehicles with human drivers and need to be updated for autonomous vehicles. Removing these requirements will reduce costs and enhance safety. NHTSA is committed to supporting the safe development of advanced technologies and advancing a new era of transportation,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said.
As part of the federal Spring Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, NHTSA is proposing three rulemakings to amend the FMVSS. In each, the rulemaking would address standards for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS) and no manual controls.
- FMVSS No. 102, “Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect.” Read more →
- FMVSS No, 103, “Windshield defrosting and defogging systems,” and FMVSS No. 104, “Windshield wiping and washing systems.” Read more →
- FMVSS No. 108, “Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.” Read more →
AV Framework
NHTSA outlines the three principles of its AV Framework as:
- Prioritizing the safety of ongoing AV operations on public roads
- Unleashing innovation by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers
- Enabling commercial deployment of AVs to enhance safety and mobility for the American public.
In June, Secretary Duffy and NHTSA announced plans to streamline the Part 555 exemption process as part of the AV Framework. The exemption will continue to allow manufacturers to sell up to 2,500 motor vehicles per year that do not fully comply with FMVSS.