NHTSA Updates Brake Rules for Self-Driving Cars
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is updating brake system rules to better fit cars with self-driving tech and those driven by people. These changes clear up confusing parts, keep safety strong, and cut unnecessary costs for car makers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 27, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow ADS-Only Cars To Drop Brake Pedals
The proposal would allow vehicles designed never to be operated by a human driver (ADS-equipped vehicles without manually operated driving controls) to omit foot-operated service brake pedals and hand- or foot-operated parking brake controls. Such vehicles must still provide a means for the vehicle to stop (via on-board systems) and cannot rely only on external commands to activate brakes.
Stopping Distance Rules Apply To ADS Vehicles
NHTSA would keep all existing stopping distance performance requirements in FMVSS No. 135 for every covered vehicle. For vehicles without a brake pedal, stopping distance would be measured from the point of initial transmission of an electronic command signal to the service brake control until the vehicle reaches a full stop.
Brake Warning Telltales Must Be Shown To Passengers
For ADS-equipped vehicles without manually operated driving controls, the brake system warning (renamed a "brake system warning telltale") must be clearly visible to occupants in all designated seating positions. NHTSA proposes excepting such vehicles from the requirement that the telltale activate when the parking brake is applied.
Parking Brake No Longer Must Be Friction-Type
NHTSA proposes to remove the specific requirement that the parking brake be a friction-type system while keeping the requirement that the parking brake retain engagement by solely mechanical means and hold the vehicle stationary for 5 minutes in both forward and reverse on a 20 percent grade. Fully electrically actuated parking brakes that could fail if power is lost would be precluded.
Disallow Controls That Disable ABS
The proposal would revise FMVSS No. 135 to state that a control to disable the anti-lock braking system (ABS), either fully or partially, is prohibited for subject vehicles.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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