What is the purpose of the SELF DRIVE Act?

The SELF DRIVE Act aims to establish a national safety framework for autonomous vehicles, overriding state-level restrictions and promoting innovation.

Who will govern federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be responsible for governing federal safety standards required by September 2027.

Which companies support the SELF DRIVE Act?

Companies such as Tesla Inc. and Honda Motor Company have expressed support for the legislation's goal of establishing a national standard for automated vehicle technology.

Home / Technology / Congress Debates Future of Self-Driving Cars

Congress Debates Future of Self-Driving Cars

11 Feb

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Summary

Legislation aims to create national safety standards for autonomous vehicles.
Bill seeks to override state-level restrictions on developing AV technology.
NHTSA will govern federal safety standards required by September 2027.

Congress Debates Future of Self-Driving Cars

Lawmakers are advancing legislation to establish a national framework for autonomous vehicles. The SELF DRIVE Act, sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta, recently passed committee, aiming to create consistent federal safety standards. This would preempt differing state-level regulations on the rapidly evolving technology.

The proposed act mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish these federal safety standards by September 2027. It also seeks to standardize definitions for autonomous driving and its various levels.

Furthermore, the bill permits limited testing of automated driving features in commercial vehicles. Companies like Waymo already operate self-driving fleets in several U.S. cities, highlighting the accelerating pace of AV deployment.