US: Framework for automated driving systems proposed by NHTSA
More transparency into participating ADS activities would be encouraged by AV STEP, which would also assist the agency in researching and monitoring the development of ADS technology.
News, 23 December 2024
A voluntary national framework for the assessment and supervision of certain automobiles with automated driving systems was recently proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
For participating ADS-equipped vehicles, a voluntary assessment and reporting structure would be established by the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program, or AV STEP. All businesses that now operate or intend to operate compliant ADS-equipped vehicles on public roads, as well as those who need NHTSA exemptions to operate non-compliant vehicles, would be eligible for the program.
More transparency into participating ADS activities would be encouraged by AV STEP, which would also assist the agency in researching and monitoring the development of ADS technology. The proposed initiative would give NHTSA and the public more insight into ADS development and operating data, which is essential to the agency’s mission.
Additionally, AV STEP is in line with the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which was introduced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in January 2022. This strategy employs a safe system approach and provides a comprehensive plan for drastically lowering the number of fatalities and injuries on our country’s roads, highways, and streets.
In addition to providing a means for automakers, operators, governments, academics, and legislators to gain from increased public knowledge and quicker learning of the technology, this increased openness would encourage the appropriate development of ADS technology. The opinions of an impartial third-party assessor would be taken into consideration by NHTSA when evaluating an application under AV STEP.
Additionally, two new exemption procedures would be added to AV STEP in order to streamline NHTSA’s administration of ADS exemptions. These procedures would build on the agency’s prior experience with ADS exemptions and provide more avenues for regulatory flexibility, rather than replacing the agency’s current exemption procedures.
