NHTSA Updates Self-Driving Car Framework, Wants Your Thoughts
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
In April 2025, DOT and NHTSA announced a new automated vehicle framework designed to prioritize safety, promote innovation, foster American ingenuity, and remove regulatory barriers to the advancement of automated driving system technologies. This notice furthers NHTSA's implementation of this framework by requesting public comment on interim guidance for commercial deployment exemptions for automated vehicles. This notice also summarizes NHTSA's other recent activity relating to the AV Framework.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Interim Guidance to Reduce Application Burden
NHTSA published interim Part 555 guidance (posted in the docket and on NHTSA's website) explaining the types of information that help part 555 applications and is asking for comment. The guidance is intended to reduce follow-up between NHTSA and applicants and shorten processing times for ADS-equipped vehicle exemption requests.
Operational Authorizations Enable Immediate Deployment
NHTSA adopted a dynamic oversight approach for General Exemptions where an initial operational authorization is issued at the time of the Federal Register grant notice, and manufacturers may begin manufacturing and commercially deploying vehicles immediately consistent with that initial authorization. Operational permissions can be modified later via additional operational authorizations.
Domestic Vehicles Eligible for Special Exemptions
On April 24, 2025, NHTSA expanded Special Exemption (section 30114(a)) opportunities to cover motor vehicles and equipment manufactured in the United States, enabling domestic-built vehicles to seek AVEP special exemptions previously limited to imported vehicles. NHTSA has issued an application template to assist submitters.
Crash Reporting Requirements Streamlined
NHTSA amended its Standing General Order (SGO) on crash reporting (effective for the reporting period beginning June 16, 2025) to focus on crash types that warrant agency review, eliminate duplicate reporting by multiple entities, and remove the need for monthly 'no-crash' reports. Timeframes and the list of reporting entities were also updated.
SGO Reporting Led to Investigations and Recalls
From June 2025 (when the third-amended SGO took effect) through July 2026, NHTSA received reports and engaged with entities; that engagement contributed to the opening of seven formal investigations and prompted seven recalls. NHTSA publishes SGO crash reports on its website.
FMVSS Modernization for ADS Vehicles
NHTSA has launched multiple rulemakings proposing amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles without manual controls. NPRMs published March 16, 2026 covered FMVSS Nos. 102, 103, and 104; April 1, 2026 covered FMVSS No. 110; and June 2026 proposed changes to FMVSS No. 135.
Rulemaking to Establish ADS Performance FMVSS
On March 10, 2026, NHTSA began a rulemaking to establish performance requirements for Automated Driving Systems that could culminate in one or more Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Any FMVSS would need to be practicable and stated in objective terms.
Global ADS Technical Regulation Adopted
A United Nations Global Technical Regulation (GTR) for Automated Driving Systems (SAE Level 4 and Level 5) was adopted on June 24, 2026, with the United States joining other major markets. The GTR provides the world's first unified regulatory framework for fully driverless, highly automated vehicles.
Comments Due on Interim Guidance
NHTSA is asking for public comments on its interim Part 555 guidance and enhanced application instructions; comments are requested on or before August 31, 2026. If you are a prospective applicant or stakeholder, you can submit written comments through the federal docket at Regulations.gov by that date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11072, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214; Side Impact Protection; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 305a; Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electric Powertrain Integrity; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 307; Fuel System Integrity of Hydrogen Vehicles
Starting July 6, 2026, car makers must follow updated safety rules that clean up old, outdated side-impact protection standards and fix related rules for electric and hydrogen vehicles. These changes make the rules clearer without adding new costs or big changes for manufacturers. If anyone wants to challenge the updates, they have until July 20, 2026, to speak up.
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.
2026-05024, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 102 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA wants to update a safety rule to help self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or gear shifts. They’re proposing to remove the need for a gear position display in these automated vehicles, cutting costs without hurting safety. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 15, 2026!
2026-05023, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
2025-22674, Public Hearing for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The government is holding a virtual public hearing on January 7, 2026, about new fuel economy rules for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031. These rules aim to keep vehicles safer and more affordable while improving fuel efficiency. If you care about how much gas your car uses or how much you pay at the pump, this is your chance to speak up before the rules are finalized.
2026-15485, Zoox-Grant of Temporary Exemption From Portions of Various Requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for an Automated Driving System-Equipped Vehicle
NHTSA is granting an exemption to Zoox, Inc. (Zoox) to allow it to manufacture and deploy commercially a passenger car, which is equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS), that does not comply with certain requirements in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Specifically, NHTSA grants Zoox an exemption for its Zoox sedan from certain requirements in eight FMVSS: FMVSS No. 103, Windshield defrosting and defogging systems; FMVSS No. 104, Windshield wiping and washing systems; FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment; FMVSS No. 111, Rear visibility; FMVSS No. 135, Light vehicle brake systems; FMVSS No. 201, Occupant protection in interior impact; FMVSS No. 205, Glazing materials; and FMVSS No. 208, Occupant crash protection. NHTSA is granting Zoox's application on the basis that compliance with these requirements would prevent Zoox from selling, or otherwise commercially deploying, a motor vehicle with an overall safety level at least equal to the overall safety level of a vehicle that complies with all applicable FMVSS. NHTSA grants Zoox an exemption subject to certain specified terms and conditions, including the application of an enhanced oversight condition. Under this condition, NHTSA will issue Operational Authorizations that may update and expand as Zoox's ADS technology matures.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15481, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint entitled Certain Mobile Devices with Hardware and Software for Exchanging Electronic Content and Components Thereof, DN 3927; the Commission is soliciting comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or complainant's filing pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Next: 2026-15484, Updating and Expanding Guidance on Safe Development and Deployment of Automated Driving Systems
NHTSA is updating its rules to keep automated cars safe and smart. They’re asking everyone to share their thoughts on new chapters over the next year before finalizing the guide. This affects car makers, tech developers, and anyone excited about self-driving cars, aiming for safer rides without extra costs right now.