AMERICA DRIVES Act Now at The Front Of Driverless Law

AMERICA DRIVES Act Seeks to Change Federal Rules for Autonomous Trucks

A new bill in Congress, called the “AMERICA DRIVES Act“,  aims to clear the way for driverless trucks to operate across state lines. These trucks would not need a person inside or even watching remotely. The bill tells the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to update rules that only apply to human drivers. This includes rules for hours of service, drug testing, and CDL licensing.

Bill Defines How Driverless Trucks Can Operate

The full name of the AMERICA DRIVES Act is the Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act. Representative Kevin Fong introduced the bill on July 22, 2025.

This bill allows trucks with high-level automated driving systems (ADS) to move freight without human help. These trucks can drive by themselves in some or all conditions. The law applies to Level 4 and Level 5 systems, which can perform every part of the driving task.

AMERICA DRIVES Act Sets a Deadline for FMCSA Rule Changes

The AMERICA DRIVES Act gives the Department of Transportation a deadline. By September 30, 2027, the agency must update federal trucking rules. These changes would cover key areas such as:

• Hours of service
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
• Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
• Driver medical requirements

These rules were written for people. The bill says they should not apply to trucks that operate without a driver. It makes clear that old rules don’t match new technology.

AMERICA DRIVES Act Lists Key Terms and Definitions

The bill also defines terms that help explain how the new rules should work. These terms include:

• ADS-equipped vehicle: A truck that uses hardware and software to drive without help.
• Remote driver: A person who can control the truck from far away, but is not inside it.
• Remote assistance: A person who advises a truck when it needs help during a trip.

These clear terms will guide how the law is applied in real-world situations.

AMERICA DRIVES Act Supports New Warning Device Rules

The bill also takes on an issue that has gone to court. In one case, a company using driverless trucks challenged a rule from FMCSA. That rule said the truck must carry warning triangles for emergencies. These devices are meant for a person to place on the road when a truck breaks down.

To solve the issue, the AMERICA DRIVES Act supports a change. It says cab-mounted warning beacons should be allowed instead. These lights work better for trucks without drivers. This matches an FMCSA exemption request made in March 2023.

 Act Responds to Industry Demands and Legal Issues

Many companies in the trucking tech world want clear rules. They say unclear laws slow down progress. Some states still require a person to be inside the truck, even if the truck can drive itself.

The AMERICA DRIVES Act would stop states from blocking driverless trucks. It says federal law should take the lead. The bill also says FMCSA cannot make rules that unfairly treat ADS trucks. This could help companies avoid lawsuits and start using their new fleets sooner.

AMERICA DRIVES Act Could Shape the Future of Trucking

If passed, the AMERICA DRIVES Act would create a single, federal set of rules. These would apply to trucks that drive across state lines without a person. Supporters say this will help bring modern tools to the freight industry. They believe the bill cuts red tape and supports innovation.

However, some people are concerned. They say more safety checks are needed before driverless trucks become common. Others worry about jobs lost if fewer drivers are needed.

Still, the Act may be the biggest move yet toward a future with driverless freight. Congress will now decide if the country is ready for this next step in trucking.


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