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NHTSA Expands Exemptions for Autonomous Vehicles, Easing Regulatory Burden

In a significant update from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency has established new protocols regarding the reporting of crashes involving autonomous vehicles. Under the revised guidelines, manufacturers must inform NHTSA within 15 days of any incidents that meet certain criteria, which includes a threshold for property damage and the involvement of another vehicle.

Additionally, NHTSA is now offering exemptions for specific federal motor vehicle safety standards, aimed at American manufacturers. In their recent communication to industry stakeholders, NHTSA emphasized that these exemptions are intended to foster innovative vehicle designs, including prototypes. The agency outlined that this iterative review process will consider vehicle safety while addressing the objectives behind the exemption requests. This shift potentially paves the way for the deployment of advanced robotaxi models that may lack traditional components such as side-view mirrors or steering wheels.

The automotive sector has reacted positively to these changes. John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, stated, “This technology works. It will help improve safety on the roads and increase mobility.” He further expressed concern that prior government inaction had impeded progress in the development and integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Bozzella urged the need for a robust regulatory framework that will facilitate the complete and urgent deployment of AV technology across the United States.

However, the potential impact of staffing changes at NHTSA raises questions about the agency’s capacity to manage the increased regulatory load. Recently, a wave of dismissals affected numerous experts within the agency who were tasked with overseeing autonomous vehicle safety regulations. This restructuring came at the behest of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, which is currently under scrutiny in various NHTSA investigations involving its partially automated driving systems. The ability of NHTSA to effectively navigate this new landscape will be pivotal as the agency adjusts to its expanded role in the evolving automotive industry.

Source
arstechnica.com