The Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are seeking public comments on a proposal to remove regulatory barriers regarding the introduction of automated driving systems (ADS).
The FMCSA is seeking comments that address how ADS affects cybersecurity, commercial driver’s license endorsements, distracted driving, Hours of Service rules, requirements of human drivers, roadside inspections, and safe driving, inspection, repair, and maintenance.
“FMCSA is hoping to receive feedback from commercial motor vehicle stakeholders and the motoring public on how the agency should adapt its regulations for the development of increased automated driving systems in large trucks and buses,” FMSCA Administrator Raymond Martinez said. “We know that while many of these technologies are still in development, it is critical that we carefully examine how to make federal rules keep up with this advancing technology.”
NHTSA is seeking comments on how deploying ADS vehicles will affect existing federal motor vehicle safety standards. The agency also is seeking comments on how traditional compliance standards can measure vehicles without brake pedals and steering wheels.
As ADS technologies develop, the NHTSA will adapt to ensure public safety, agency Deputy Administrator Heidi King said.
Comments close 60 days after the notices are published in the Federal Register.