Self-Driving Trucks with Hazmat? DOT Proposes Safety Updates Now
Published Date: 12/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants to update rules to make it easier and safer to transport hazardous materials using self-driving vehicles. This affects companies moving dangerous goods and invites everyone to share their thoughts by March 4, 2026. These changes aim to keep things safe while embracing new technology, with no immediate costs announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 5 mixed.
Highway Hazmat Transport Could Be Restricted
PHMSA and FMCSA note that Automated Driving Systems (ADS) raise unique issues and that FMCSA previously requested comment on whether transporting hazardous materials in fully automated commercial motor vehicles should be restricted or prohibited; PHMSA is seeking input on how ADS could affect hazardous materials rules on highways.
Possible Changes to Special Permits
PHMSA says any person can currently request relief from the Hazardous Materials Regulations via the Special Permit process, and as of November 2025 it had received two applications seeking relief for highly automated systems delivering consumer products by unmanned aircraft. PHMSA is asking whether changes to the special permit process are needed to handle highly automated transportation systems and specifically requests comment on whether proposed revisions would impose high costs or disproportionately burden small businesses.
Shipping Papers Could Go Digital
PHMSA notes that shipping papers and emergency response information must accompany most hazardous materials shipments and that highly automated systems may not have a person onboard to hand over physical documents. PHMSA is seeking comment on using electronic shipping papers and automated incident notification systems to provide cargo, location, and emergency information.
Marking, Labeling, Placarding May Be Revised
PHMSA says hazard communication (markings, labels, and placards) is critical but may be hard to apply for last-mile deliveries or UAS operations where packages may be outside an airframe or visible from different angles. PHMSA is asking for input on alternatives and notes that the International Association of Fire Fighters recommended table 1 and table 2 materials should never be authorized for highly automated systems when placards would be required.
Training Requirements May Be Reassessed
PHMSA notes that Part 172 training requirements apply to hazardous materials employees and that highly automated systems may change job roles, reduce human interaction, or replace trained hazmat employees. PHMSA seeks input on whether training should be revised or replaced with safety assurance and certification systems for automated operations.
Security Plans and Cyber Risks May Change
PHMSA notes that security plan requirements (Part 172 subpart I) apply to materials that present significant security threats and that highly automated systems could raise unique security and cybersecurity concerns. PHMSA is seeking input on whether security plan applicability and in-depth security training should be revised for these systems.
Packaging Standards May Be Updated
PHMSA says packaging requirements in Parts 173 and 178 may need new designs or performance standards to work with different automated platforms and to address risks specific to those platforms. PHMSA seeks input on packaging changes for highly automated transportation systems.
Air UAS/AAM Operators Face HMR and FAA Rules
PHMSA explains that UAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operators that carry hazardous materials must meet HMR requirements and obtain FAA approvals such as an OpSpec A055 and part 135 or proposed part 108 certifications, including accepted hazardous materials manuals, approved training programs, and Safety Management Systems. PHMSA is seeking input on how air-specific HMR provisions apply to automated air operations.
Loading/Unloading Rules May Be Adapted
PHMSA notes that some HMR requirements, like Sec. 175.90(a) which requires inspection after delivery by air, may be impractical for unmanned deliveries to private homes. PHMSA is asking how loading and unloading procedures in the HMR should change for highly automated deliveries.
Rail Hard-Copy Consist Requirement Under Review
PHMSA highlights that Sec. 174.26 requires railroads to provide train consist information in hard-copy form prior to movement and notes this could conflict with highly automated rail operations that do not have a train crew. PHMSA is reviewing whether HMR changes are needed to accommodate crewless or highly automated rail movements.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-08058 — Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments; Correction
This update fixes a numbering mistake in the rules for checking the maximum safe pressure of gas pipelines. Pipeline operators must follow the corrected list to avoid confusion, but no new costs or deadlines are added. The fix takes effect on August 3, 2026, making safety rules clearer and easier to follow.
2026-06323 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Response to Petition for Reconsideration
Pipeline companies and safety pros, listen up! PHMSA just said no to changes requested by the Interstate Natural Gas Association about pipeline safety rules for areas where people live or work. This means the current rules about how pipelines must be upgraded when neighborhoods grow stay in place, so companies should keep their safety upgrades on schedule without extra costs or delays.
2026-09392 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is reviewing new special permit requests for safely moving hazardous materials, like damaged lithium-ion batteries. If you work with these materials, now’s your chance to comment before June 11, 2026. These permits could change how some dangerous goods are transported, making things safer and possibly saving money on special packaging rules.
2026-09393 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for Modification to Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is reviewing requests to change special permits for safely moving hazardous materials. These changes mainly affect companies handling dangerous goods by truck, rail, ship, or plane, aiming to update or remove outdated rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until May 27, 2026, to speak up—no fees or costs are mentioned, just a chance to keep things safe and smooth!
2026-09304 — Pipeline Safety: Meeting of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee
The Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee is meeting on May 28, 2026, to talk about new safety rules for gas pipelines that affect pipeline companies and the public. They’ll review proposed changes aimed at making gas distribution safer, and everyone can join in person or online. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until June 29, 2026, to send in comments—this could impact how pipelines operate and keep communities safer.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21935 — Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)
The Copyright Royalty Board is setting new rules and rates for how Educational Media Foundation and similar noncommercial webcasters pay to play music online from 2026 to 2030. This affects anyone streaming sound recordings without subscriptions, with updated fees and terms to keep the music flowing legally. Comments on these changes are open until January 5, 2026, so stakeholders have a chance to weigh in before the rules kick in.
Next: 2025-21999 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
The FAA wants all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters to replace certain bolts on their flight controls because some bolts might crack and fail. They’re also banning the use of these risky bolts in the future to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until January 20, 2026, and helicopter owners should prepare for the replacement to avoid safety issues.