No Wipers Needed? NHTSA Eases Rules for Steering-Wheel-Free Autonomous Cars
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Continued Manufacturer Safety Obligations
Even if ADS-only vehicles are excepted from FMVSS Nos. 103 and 104, manufacturers would still be responsible for ensuring ADS-equipped vehicles are free of unreasonable safety risks. NHTSA states that failing to monitor ADS sensor performance or to clear sensor obstructions could constitute a vehicle safety defect, and manufacturers would be expected to provide means for safe occupant egress.
ADS-Only Vehicles Excepted From Windshield Rules
NHTSA proposes to except vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) that do not have manually operated driving controls from FMVSS No. 103 (defrosting/defogging) and FMVSS No. 104 (wiping/washing). The exception would apply to such vehicles if the final rule is adopted, with vehicles manufactured 180 days after publication of the final rule following the change.
Update to Industry Test Standards
NHTSA proposes to update incorporation by reference to newer SAE test standards: SAE J902 (2025) for defrosting/demisting, SAE J903 (2024) for windshield wipers, and SAE J942 (1999) for windshield washers. NHTSA says the updates will harmonize FMVSS Nos. 103 and 104 with current industry practices and requests comment on the changes.
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
2026-05024 — 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!
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.
2026-06507 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Novel Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Designs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants your thoughts on a new study about cool, next-level car controls called Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). This one-time info collection aims to help make driving safer and smarter, and they need approval before starting. If you’re interested, send your comments by June 2, 2026—no cost to you, just your voice!
2026-06254 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 110 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA is updating a safety rule to help self-driving vehicles that don’t have a traditional driver’s side. Instead of the usual spot, these vehicles can put their tire and load info placard on the left side, making it easier to follow the rules without risking safety. This change affects vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less and invites public comments by May 1, 2026—no big costs, just smarter rules for smart cars!
2026-05502 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Consolidated Labeling Requirements and Procedures for Selecting Lines To Be Covered by the Theft Prevention Standard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to bring back a paperwork process that helps label cars and pick which models need theft prevention features. This affects car makers who must follow these labeling rules and theft standards. If approved, the process will continue smoothly, and the public can share their thoughts by May 19, 2026.
2026-05503 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Request for Comment; Event Data Recorders
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to continue collecting info from event data recorders (EDRs), the gadgets in cars that record safety and driving data. This affects car makers and safety researchers who use this info to improve vehicle safety. Comments on this plan are open until April 20, 2026, and the goal is to keep gathering useful data without adding extra hassle or costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05007 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks caused by manufacturing issues. They’re proposing regular inspections and fixes if needed to prevent problems. Airlines and maintenance teams should comment by April 27, 2026, and be ready for possible inspection costs and schedules.
Next: 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!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in