US Agency Plans to Ease Safety Rules for Self-Driving Vehicles

The United States is taking action to accelerate the rollout of autonomous vehicles. Federal regulators recently introduced a new framework that eases certain safety standards originally created for human-driven cars. These changes could help domestic automakers catch up in the global race for innovation, especially against major Chinese competitors.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the revised rules aim to remove regulatory barriers that no longer serve advanced driving systems. “We’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Duffy said of the administration. He underlined the significance of tech leadership and the seriousness of the situation.

Key Regulatory Changes for Autonomous Vehicles

Freepik | Frolopiaton Palm | Autonomous vehicle regulations are being updated, dropping requirements for driver-operated controls.

The new rules include exemptions for features that only apply to vehicles driven by people. For example, autonomous vehicles may no longer need rearview mirrors or foot-operated brake pedals. These components, while essential for traditional cars, have no use in driverless systems.

The update also lowers the burden for reporting certain crashes. Instead of immediate incident reports, manufacturers can now submit monthly summaries for less severe cases. Additionally, a damage threshold has been introduced to filter minor incidents that don’t require federal attention.

These regulatory changes aim to reduce delays in innovation while still requiring transparency on major safety concerns.

Support and Concern from Industry Stakeholders

Major automakers welcomed the decision. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents nearly every major car manufacturer, praised the new direction. In a statement, the group said, “This announcement shows the administration is proceeding with urgency, so we don’t cede AV leadership to China and other countries.”

On the other hand, safety advocacy groups raised red flags. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety expressed disappointment with the reduced reporting rules. They warned that weakening oversight could bring risks. The group stated that “the success of AV deployment is endangered at best and could result in deadly consequences at worst without safeguards, transparency, and accountability.”

This ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing innovation with public safety.

Expanding the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program

Another significant change involves the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It declared that its Automated Vehicle Exemption Program would be expanded. Previously, this program only covered non-compliant imported autonomous vehicles. Now, it will include self-driving vehicles produced in the United States as well.

This adjustment allows American automakers to bring innovative vehicle designs to public roads without being blocked by outdated standards.

General Motors Revisits Self-Driving Strategy

General Motors (GM), one of the top investors in autonomous vehicle technology, previously filed a petition in 2022. It sought approval to deploy 2,500 fully autonomous vehicles annually that lacked traditional driver controls. These vehicles did not include brake pedals or mirrors. However, GM withdrew the petition in 2023, citing delays in the review process.

In December, GM decided to pause funding for its robotaxi subsidiary, Cruise, after one of its vehicles struck a pedestrian already injured by another car. The company later paid a $500,000 criminal fine associated with the incident. This moment marked a shift in GM’s approach, despite investing over $10 billion into Cruise since 2016.

Waymo Expands Autonomous Ride-Hailing

Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, Waymo, is taking a different path. In October, the company completed a $5.6 billion funding round aimed at expanding its ride-hailing operations. Waymo has already launched services in several US cities and now plans to bring its fully autonomous fleet to Washington, D.C. next year.

The company continues to focus on public transport alternatives that operate without human drivers. Its progress demonstrates that some players are moving ahead despite industry-wide regulatory uncertainty.

Elon Musk and Tesla’s Robotaxi Plan

Instagram | @bestofmusk | With Musk’s robotaxi push, Tesla is central to self-driving regulations despite ongoing scrutiny.

Tesla remains central to the self-driving conversation. CEO Elon Musk, who has long promoted the future of robotaxis, stands closely aligned with these regulatory efforts. His promises to roll out commercial fleets of self-driving cars are consistent with the new federal structure. However, Tesla also faces scrutiny.

The NHTSA continues to investigate Tesla’s Full-Self Driving software following several incidents, including a fatal crash. These investigations serve as a reminder that while policy may shift, public safety must remain a core focus.

The Race to Define Autonomous Innovation

The United States now stands at a critical point in its approach to self-driving technology. By revising safety rules and easing restrictions, the federal government hopes to clear the path for innovation. Still, every move forward invites closer scrutiny—from regulators, safety groups, and the public.

While some industry leaders celebrate these policy shifts, others stress the need for clear accountability. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and GM will likely shape the next phase of autonomous mobility. Yet their success may depend not just on how fast they move, but also on how safely they do it.