Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association Applauds Progress on Bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act

Landmark legislation would take bold step toward federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles, protect American innovation, and accelerate life-saving technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) released the following statement from CEO Jeff Farrah following the release of Representative Bob Latta and Representative Debbie Dingell’s draft bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act, legislation that would make meaningful progress toward establishment of a federal framework for autonomous vehicle deployment in the United States:‍

"The SELF DRIVE Act draft represents a turning point for American transportation policy. Representatives Latta and Dingell have crafted legislation that prioritizes safety through rigorous oversight while clearing the path for American companies to lead globally. This bill creates what autonomous vehicle leaders need: clear rules, strong safety standards, and the regulatory certainty needed to scale deployment nationwide.

"With nearly 40,000 Americans dying each year in traffic crashes, the U.S. cannot afford delay. The SELF DRIVE Act would accelerate deployment of technology proven to dramatically reduce collisions caused by human error. It would expand mobility for millions of Americans with disabilities. And it would ensure the United States, not China, sets global standards for this transformative technology."

In January 2025, AVIA released its federal policy framework, called Securing American Leadership in Autonomous Vehicles. The SELF DRIVE Act draft addresses critical policy gaps identified in AVIA’s federal framework. In June 2025, AVIA CEO Jeff Farrah testified before the House Energy & Commerce Committee and strongly encouraged the committee and U.S. Department of Transportation to set in place a federal policy framework for AVs.

On January 13, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will hold a legislative hearing to consider the SELF DRIVE Act discussion draft.

About the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA):

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association mission is to advocate for American leadership in the safe and timely deployment of autonomous driving technology. AVIA is the unified voice of the diverse companies advancing safe and trusted autonomous vehicles. AVIA believes that autonomous vehicles increase road safety, strengthen supply chains, expand economic opportunity, and improve mobility for all.

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