NHTSA Resets Rules for Autonomous Vehicle (AV) deployments

On April 24, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced a new, more streamlined process to support the deployment of automated vehicles on U.S. public roads. The new Automated Vehicle (AV) Framework introduces exemptions for U.S.-built self-driving cars, creating a pathway for vehicles such as the Tesla Cybercab.

AVs have been on the road in U.S. urban centers for several years. For example, Uber tested a fleet of self-driving Volvos in Pittsburgh for several years, General Motors' Cruise (using autonomous Chevy Bolts) and Waymo (using self-driving Jaguar I-Paces) operated in San Francisco for a time.

Interestingly, in 2022, GM and Honda sought an exemption from NHTSA to deploy up to 2,500 Origin robotaxis (shown below) which were built without steering wheels and other driver controls for a planned ride-hailing service with former GM technology partner Cruise. At that time, it was no go. But now it appears that the tide is turning.

NHTSA’s new rules mean that we might soon see even more robotaxis on public streets. NHTSA says that its new AV Framework will lead to a modernization of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), thus allowing for "safe commercial deployments of AVs" via a program that will allow companies to run non-compliant vehicles on U.S. roads, which NHTSA says "will promote vehicle innovation and safety." NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser stated: “These are the first steps toward making America a more welcoming environment for the next generation of automotive technology.”

Notably, NHTSA’s new rules specify commercial use cases, which may suggest that personal self-driving car usage is still further a bit further down the road. The revised rules are critical for companies like Tesla – which plans to launch a fleet of Cybercabs in Austin, Texas this summer. For example, the new rules will make it easier for Tesla to deploy the U.S.-made Cybercab, since the lack of physical vehicle controls means it would otherwise not comply with FMVSS regulations.

Learn more on the Car and Driver website.

Koala Technologies offers a wide range of automotive testing solutions that are used to help develop AVs around the world. We appreciate NHTSA’s commitment to supporting future AV developments, and we look forward to all the new innovations that are coming our way.