NHTSA invites gearheads to chat self-driving cars in DC
Published Date: 10/7/2026
Notice
Summary
NHTSA is hosting a public meeting on December 1-2, 2026, to share the latest on vehicle and driver safety research. They’re also holding a special workshop on self-driving car tech on December 1. If you’re into car safety or automation, register by November 24 and join the conversation in Washington, DC—plus, you can comment online until March 2, 2027!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Meeting Is In-Person; Register by Nov 24
The NHTSA Safety Research public meeting is in person in Washington, DC on December 1-2, 2026, and the Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Workshop is the afternoon of December 1, 2026. You must register online no later than November 24, 2026 if you plan to attend; participants can register for one or both days.
Panel Presentations Will Be Recorded; ADS Workshop Will Not
NHTSA will record panel presentations from the Research Public meeting and make recordings available on the NHTSA website after the event, but the Automated Driving Systems Workshop (December 1 afternoon) will not be recorded. Visual slides and posters will be posted to the public docket after the meeting.
Public Comment Period Open Until March 2, 2027
You can submit comments about the public meeting or the ADS Workshop through regulations.gov, fax, or mail. The public docket will remain open for comments for 90 days after the meeting, until March 2, 2027.
Accessibility Services Provided at Meeting
NHTSA will provide a sign language interpreter and closed captioning services at the meeting. During registration you can indicate if you need other special accommodations.
Electronic Confidential Business Information Submission Allowed
If you submit information you consider confidential business information (CBI), you must send the confidentiality request and supporting materials to NHTSA's Office of the Chief Counsel and NHTSA is treating electronic submission as an acceptable method for CBI under 49 CFR part 512. Contact information and instructions for secure submission are provided in the notice.
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