The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced new measures to streamline the approval process for automakers seeking to deploy fully self-driving vehicles without traditional human controls such as steering wheels, brake pedals, or mirrors. The move aims to cut red tape and accelerate innovation in the autonomous vehicle sector, which has faced significant regulatory delays for years.
NHTSA Simplifies Exemption Reviews
Under existing law, NHTSA can grant exemptions allowing manufacturers to deploy up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles annually that lack human controls. However, the agency has been criticized for slow review processes, leaving several petitions pending for years without resolution. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the previous system was “bogging developers down in unnecessary red tape,” hindering technological progress.
Manufacturers Struggle with Long Approval Delays
Automakers have expressed growing frustration with the slow pace of regulatory approvals. While fully self-driving vehicles with required human controls can operate without NHTSA approval, those lacking traditional controls need to demonstrate equivalent safety levels and serve the public interest to gain exemptions. Several major automakers have withdrawn petitions due to regulatory uncertainty.
Major Automaker Withdrawals
General Motors initially petitioned NHTSA in 2018 to deploy vehicles without steering wheels or brake pedals but withdrew the request in 2020. A renewed 2022 petition was also withdrawn in October 2023, following GM’s decision to halt funding for its Cruise robotaxi business after a pedestrian injury incident and a $500,000 criminal fine. Ford similarly withdrew its 2021 petition in 2023 after shutting down its Argo AI self-driving unit in 2022.
Trump Administration’s Push for Autonomous Vehicles
In April, the Trump administration introduced a new framework to boost the autonomous vehicle sector. The plan includes exemptions from certain safety requirements and eased reporting obligations for safety incidents. The administration argues that reducing regulatory burdens will help U.S. automakers compete more effectively with Chinese firms advancing rapidly in the self-driving space.
Tesla’s Upcoming Robotaxi Launch
Tesla plans to begin offering rides on its self-driving robotaxis starting June 22, according to CEO Elon Musk. These vehicles will still feature human controls. Last month, NHTSA sent Tesla a letter requesting additional information about its robotaxi program, highlighting the agency’s ongoing oversight even as broader rule changes are implemented.
Conclusion
The NHTSA’s revised exemption process marks a significant step toward accelerating self-driving vehicle deployment in the United States. By simplifying approvals and reducing regulatory hurdles, the government aims to foster innovation while maintaining safety standards. However, recent automaker withdrawals and regulatory caution suggest that full-scale autonomous vehicle deployment will remain a complex and closely monitored process.
