AVIA Statement on the Introduction of SELF DRIVE Act

WASHINGTON – The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association released the following statement CEO Jeff Farrah upon introduction of Congressman Bob Latta’s Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research in Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026 (SELF DRIVE Act):

"The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association commends Representative Latta on the introduction of the SELF DRIVE Act, which will help establish a federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles. Representative Latta’s legislation 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.

"Nearly 40,000 people die every year on U.S. roads, overwhelmingly because of human error. Autonomous vehicles are already demonstrating measurable safety improvements over human drivers, and a federal framework will allow this lifesaving technology to reach more communities faster. Congress has both the opportunity and the obligation to act. We urge lawmakers to advance this legislation without delay.”

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. 

Last month, Farrah penned Ohio’s moment to lead on autonomous-vehicle policy in the Cleveland Plain Dealer in support of Congressman Latta’s efforts on autonomous vehicle policy.

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.