Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association Applauds NHTSA’s Part 555 Reform Effort

WASHINGTON – Today, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) released the following statement from CEO Jeff Farrah on NHTSA’s recently announced reform of Part 555 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS):

“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s commitment to advancing a federal AV policy framework and supporting the safe and timely deployment of autonomous vehicles in the United States. We commend Secretary Duffy on his ongoing leadership and commitment to American leadership in autonomous vehicles. AVIA looks forward to collaborating with NHTSA as it works to implement these reforms and ensures the process is transparent,safety-driven, and innovation-focused.”

According to the Department of Transportation, “The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (“SafetyAct”), 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, authorizes NHTSA to grant exemptions that permit manufacturers to produce vehicles over a 2- or 3-year period that do not comply with certain Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) (49 U.S.C. §30113). This exemption program is implemented through regulations found at 49CFR 555 (“Part 555”).”

In January, AVIA released Securing American Leadership in Autonomous Vehicles, a set of policy proposals focused on the U.S. developing a federal policy framework.

About AVIA

AVIA works with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles. As the unified voice of the AV industry, the association is composed of companies with diverse technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, ride hail,trucking, and logistics sectors. Bringing together their varied backgrounds,the companies formed AVIA to advance AVs’ tremendous safety, mobility and economic benefits to consumers in the safest and swiftest manner possible.

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