NHTSA Proposes New Framework for Fully Driverless Vehicles — But They Need Data

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a voluntary national framework, which could make it easier for fully driverless vehicles like robotaxis to get on the roads. 

The new framework, known as the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program, or simply AV STEP, would establish a voluntary review and reporting framework for autonomous vehicles. 

Under the current rules vehicles that are fully autonomous, those that lack manual car parts like steering wheels and brakes, need a type of special exemption from the NHTSA. But under NHTSA’s new proposed program, participants will have “an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to transparency for their vehicles and operations” by providing regular data on their vehicle’s safety. 

AV STEP will include two new exemption processes designed to optimize NHTSA’s administration of ADS exemptions, but these do not replace NHTSA’s existing exemption processes.

Under the proposed program, applicants will need to provide the NHTSA with information and data “related to the safety of the design, development, and operations of ADS-equipped vehicles for their intended deployment under the program.” The agency will then be able to review this data for further clarification if needed.

In the interests of public transparency, the agency also suggests that it may publically release the information automakers provide to it.

NHTSA said the new program “would promote greater transparency into participating ADS operations and help the agency study and oversee ADS technology as it matures.” The NHTSA also said that the new program will help address the “emerging risks” in the world of driverless vehicles.

The news of the new framework comes as there is a great deal of uncertainty about the future direction of the agency’s rules. 

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Donald Trump’s transition team may be trying to kill a rule that required automakers to report all accidents involving self-driving vehicles, following earlier reports that the incoming administration may seek to loosen the rules around self-driving vehicles. Though Trump has personally admitted he finds self-driving cars “a little concerning,” during a pre-election rally.

About Will McCurdy

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