DOT Drops Self-Driving Car Safety Reporting Plan
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government has decided to cancel a planned program that would have asked companies making self-driving cars to share safety info voluntarily. This change affects car makers, tech developers, and fleet operators who won’t have to join this program anymore. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, with no new costs or deadlines for those involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Planned AV STEP Program Canceled
NHTSA withdrew the proposed AV STEP program effective June 26, 2026. Companies that make self-driving vehicles — including vehicle manufacturers, ADS developers, fleet operators, and system integrators — will not be asked to join this voluntary program and will not face the program's proposed application, reporting, or public-disclosure deadlines.
Exemptions and Reporting Rules Streamlined
NHTSA has expanded and streamlined related ADS exemption and reporting processes to support deployment. The Agency expanded the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program to include vehicles built in the United States, streamlined General Exemptions under 49 U.S.C. 30113, and streamlined its Standing General Order on crash reporting to focus on critical safety information while removing duplicative requirements; NHTSA is also developing guidance to expedite General Exemptions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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