This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation (acting through NHTSA) to update rules and make a plan for commercial deployment of fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4 and Level 5). It defines key terms, including autonomous vehicle and references SAE J3016 and the Volpe 2016 Report. Within 1 year the Secretary must address certification challenges identified in the Volpe 2016 Report that relate to assumptions about a human driver and to performance specs, test procedures, or equipment that do not fit autonomous designs. The Secretary may develop or amend FMVSS requirements, issue guidance, interpret rules, or use exemption processes and other rulemaking to avoid blocking certification of Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles. A report to Congress is required within 180 days after the deadline for addressing those challenges, explaining steps taken.
The bill also requires the Secretary to produce a roadmap for commercial-scale deployment of Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles within 1 year. The roadmap must support U.S. design and manufacturing, promote U.S. leadership in global markets, identify ways to lower technical and regulatory barriers, recommend a risk hierarchy and safety standard for use, and include a supplemental technology assessment that identifies new technologies, emerging safety concerns, and updates to the Volpe 2016 Report. An interim update on the supplemental assessment is due 180 days after enactment. The roadmap must be submitted to Congress, be made public, and be updated periodically as needed.
No publicly available information.
According to the bill's findings, supporters say rapid advances in autonomous vehicle technology offer opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility; current FMVSS were not designed for fully autonomous vehicles and can slow design and production; maintaining U.S. leadership in this technology will boost competitiveness and economic growth; and advanced automated driving systems have shown safety records that, in comparable situations, can be better than human drivers, so rules assuming human operators could delay lifesaving technology.
No publicly available information.