Autonomous vehicles public policy

To realize the benefits of AVs, the U.S. must put in place a federal policy framework focused on deployment and commercialization of the technology.

AVIA has released its Federal Policy Framework for Our AV Future, which is a comprehensive set of solutions to public policy challenges to support the safe and timely deployment of AVs. The objective of these recommendations is to maximize deployment of safe autonomous technology in the United States.

Pass Federal Legislation To Unlock Autonomous Vehicles

To open a path for the safe deployment and commercialization of AVs, Congress should enact Federal legislation that:

• Supports U.S. innovation in AVs with a clear federal framework that outlines necessary statutory and regulatory elements and recognizes the importance of positive AV policy in maintaining the U.S. position as an innovation policy leader in the world
• Encompasses all vehicle types
• Reforms and expands the vehicle exemption process
• Expands AV testing and evaluation
• Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to complete Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standardsrulemakings
• Clarifies “make-inoperative” provision for dual use vehicles
• Codifies the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrationinterpretation that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not require a human driver
• Expands access to mobility by not requiring a driver’s license to be a passenger in an AV
• Preserves the federal role in regulating motor vehicles and interstate motor carrier activity
• Protects confidential information
• Studies the economic, access, and equity impacts of AVs and the development of the AV industry workforce

Taking Action On Autonomous Vehicles At The Department Of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has a critical role in the advancement of AVs. AVIA encourages the U.S. Department of Transportation to:

• Update regulations to support AV deployment
• Accelerate the path for novel design vehicles through a national demonstration and deployment program
• Complete the final rule on safe integration of Autonomous Driving Systems in commercial motor vehicles
• Promote AV safety by developing technical standards, conducting research, convening the industry to establish common approaches, and fully leveraging existing data collections to inform future regulatory approaches to AV safety
• Preserve foreign market access through active engagement with other governments and international bodies

As the unified voice of the AV industry, AVIA is committed to working with federal policymakers to see these policies become a reality.

State governments play an important role in fostering the rapid and safe deployment of AV technology by establishing frameworks for AV operation. Many state and local governments have recognized the benefits of AVs by expressly authorizing the operation of AVs on public roads. AVIA believes states should continue to play a leading role in areas such as licensing, vehicle registration, insurance requirements, and traffic enforcement.

AVIA believes state-level AV legislation should:

• Expressly authorize the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads, subject to certain minimum requirements;
• Require the submission of a law enforcement interaction plan before operating on the public roads of a given state;
• Require that an AV meet certain threshold requirements prior to operating on public roads without a human driver, such as being capable of operating in compliance with applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulation

State and local policymakers:

If you are thinking about taking action in your area to develop policies for AVs, we'd like to hear from you. Please take a moment to email us at info[@]theAVindustry[dot]org and let us know how we can help.

To advance its mission of a world where safe and trusted AVs increase road safety, boost supply chains and improve mobility opportunities for all, AVIA works collaboratively with international policymakers and industry organizations to ensure international regulatory and legislative frameworks enable the full commercial deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles and allow for broad market access to create a level playing field and competitive market environment. The Association advocates for international safety metrics and performance requirements that align with established industry practices and are compatible with all Level 4 use cases, in addition to supporting requirements set forth by UNECE and other policy-making bodies that are closely aligned, do not create unnecessary barriers to trade, and leverage existing international standards and best practices for AVs.

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