AVIA Commends Department of Transportation Autonomous Vehicle Policy Changes

WASHINGTON - The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association released a statement from CEO Jeff Farrah following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's announced policy changes regarding autonomous vehicles:

“Today’s announcement by Secretary Sean Duffy and NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicle performance standards and expand and streamline processes for testing exemptions are a positive step forward in creating the rules of the road for autonomous vehicle deployment across the United States. The autonomous vehicle industry commends the Department of Transportation’s ongoing efforts to unleash American excellence in AVs.  

It is imperative that Congress take action and pair the policies of the Department with federal AV legislation that ensures the continued safe deployment of AVs and protects America’s leadership in autonomous driving technology. The time for action is now.”

As part of the Department of Transportation's Innovation Agenda, NHTSA announced today that it would:

• Allow Zoox to commercially deploy its robotaxis through a temporary exemption.
• Accelerate development of first-ever AV performance standards through a partnership with SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC).
• Publish an interim final rule that allows vehicles manufactured prior to an exemption to be eligible for a commercial deployment exemption.
• Streamline the application process for Part 555 exemptions by updating guidance and soliciting feedback from the public.

About the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA):

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association's 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.