NHTSA suggests a new regulatory path for self-driving vehicles

It’s arguable that a new regulatory pathway for self-driving vehicles to enter the roads will emerge soon. The deployment of autonomous vehicles without conventional controls like steering wheels or brake pads will be authorized under a new national program, which was revealed by a top government safety authority earlier this week.

Businesses can deploy many self-driving cars under the proposed ADS-Equiped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program, or AV STEP.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s acting administrator, Ann Carlson, told the Automated Road Transportation Symposium audience of business leaders, government officials, and academics, “This is a new and exciting opportunity for all of us.” She stated that NHTSA intends to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking on AV STEP this fall.