Autonomous Vehicles: NHTSA Proposes New Rules for Driverless Tech

NHTSA Proposes Rule Changes for Autonomous Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed two rule changes that would update federal vehicle safety standards. The goal is to make the rules work better for autonomous vehicles.

These proposals focus on vehicles designed to operate without manual driving controls. That means vehicles that do not have a steering wheel, pedals, or other controls used by a human driver.

Both proposals are part of a larger effort by NHTSA to modernize federal vehicle regulations as automation technology advances. The proposed rulemakings are scheduled to appear in the Federal Register on March 16, 2026.

Although the proposals apply to several vehicle types, they could also affect commercial trucks in the future. This would apply if those trucks are designed to operate without a driver.

Proposed Transmission Display Changes

The first proposal would update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102.

This rule covers the transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock systems, and transmission braking effects.

Under current rules, vehicles must show the transmission gear position. Drivers must be able to see whether the vehicle is in Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. This display helps prevent shifting errors that could lead to crashes or unintended acceleration.

NHTSA is proposing to remove this requirement for autonomous vehicles that do not have manual driving controls.

The agency explained that the display exists to help a human driver. If there is no driver in the vehicle, the display does not serve the same purpose.

In vehicles controlled by automated systems, the gear position is managed by the system itself. The automated driving system controls the transmission and stores that information internally.

Because of this, NHTSA believes the display may no longer be necessary in autonomous vehicles designed to drive themselves.

Windshield System Requirements

The second proposal focuses on FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104.

These standards deal with systems that keep the windshield clear. They include rules for:

• Defrosting
• Defogging
• Windshield wiping
• Windshield washing

These systems are required today because drivers need a clear view of the road through the windshield.

NHTSA is proposing to exempt autonomous vehicles that do not have manual driving controls from these requirements.

The agency said these rules were written to help human drivers see clearly. If a vehicle drives itself, that need may no longer apply in the same way.

Vehicle manufacturers would still be allowed to install these systems if they choose. However, they would not be required to meet the federal performance standards.

Updated Testing Standards for Autonomous Vehicles and Modern Vehicles

The second proposal includes another change. It would update several industry testing standards referenced in federal regulations.

Some of the current standards were developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the 1960s.

NHTSA is proposing to replace them with newer versions that reflect current engineering practices.

Examples of these updates include SAE:

• J902 (2025) for windshield defrosting systems
• J903 (2024) for windshield wiper systems
• J942 (1999) for windshield washer systems

NHTSA said updating these references would help align federal rules with modern vehicle design and testing methods.

Why This Could Matter for Truck Drivers

At first glance, these proposals may appear focused on passenger vehicles. However, the rules apply to trucks, buses, and other vehicles covered by federal safety standards.

That means the changes could affect future autonomous vehicles used in freight transportation.

Several companies are already testing automated driving systems for trucking. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and software instead of a human driver.

If a truck is designed without a steering wheel or pedals, it could qualify as one of the autonomous vehicles described in the proposal.

In that case, the truck might not need certain features originally designed for human drivers. This could include transmission gear displays or windshield systems required for driver visibility.

Current Trucks Are Not Affected by Autonomous Vehicle Proposals

The proposals do not change safety requirements for trucks that still include manual driving controls.

If a truck has steering, braking, or acceleration controls intended for a driver, it must still meet all current federal safety standards.

This means most commercial trucks on the road today would not be affected.

Only vehicles designed to operate without a driver would qualify for the exemptions described in the proposals for autonomous vehicles.

Federal Effort to Update Rules for Autonomous Vehicles

These proposals are part of a broader effort by NHTSA to update vehicle regulations for autonomous vehicles.

Many federal safety rules were written decades ago. At that time, every vehicle required a human driver.

Autonomous driving systems are changing that assumption.

NHTSA has already taken steps to update regulations for automated vehicles. Earlier rulemakings addressed topics such as occupant protection and safety frameworks for automated driving systems.

The current proposals continue that process. They aim to remove rules that may not apply to autonomous vehicles designed to operate without human drivers.

Public Comments Requested on Autonomous Vehicle Rules

Both proposals are currently in the notice of proposed rulemaking stage.

This means the changes are not final yet.

NHTSA is asking the public to submit comments on the proposed rules for autonomous vehicles. The agency is also seeking feedback about possible safety impacts and implementation timelines.

After reviewing public comments, NHTSA may finalize the rules, revise them, or withdraw the proposals.

The comment period deadline will be announced after the proposals are officially published in the Federal Register.