AV Safety Standards: New Rules for Emerging Tech

NHTSA Updates AV Safety Standards for Future Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced new changes to AV Safety Standards. The agency wants to modernize rules for vehicles with automated driving systems. These changes remove outdated regulations. They also set clear priorities for safety as new technology grows.

Modernizing AV Safety Standards

NHTSA introduced its Automated Vehicle (AV) Framework on September 4, 2025. The plan revises Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Many of these rules were written decades ago. They assumed that a person was always driving.

Updating them helps support automated vehicles. The revisions also set clear expectations for safety in the industry. Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the United States must lead in innovation. He explained that the new framework balances safety with progress.

NHTSA Chief Counsel also spoke about the changes. He said removing outdated rules lowers costs for companies. He added that the updates encourage new technology in transportation.

Three FMVSS Rules Set for Review

The agency is reviewing three main FMVSS rules.

• FMVSS No. 102 – Covers gear shift sequence, starter interlock, and braking effect.
• FMVSS Nos. 103 & 104 – Cover windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing systems.
• FMVSS No. 108 – Covers lighting, lamps, and reflective devices.

These rules assume vehicles have manual controls. Automated vehicles may not have those same features. That makes changes necessary.

Goals of the New AV Safety Standards Framework

The updated framework sets three main goals.

• Protect Safety – Keep strong safety rules while adopting new technology.
• Support Innovation – Remove barriers that slow down automated vehicle development.
• Ensure Consistency – Stop a patchwork of state laws and provide clear federal rules.

Faster Exemptions for AV Developers

In June 2025, NHTSA simplified the Part 555 exemption process. This change lets manufacturers produce up to 2,500 vehicles per year. These vehicles may not fully meet FMVSS, but they must meet safety goals.

The exemption process makes testing faster. It also helps companies deploy new automated technology more quickly.

Industry Response to the AV Safety Standards Updates

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) supports the changes. AVIA said the updates will improve mobility and accessibility. They also believe the framework will help companies bring automation to more communities.

NHTSA also expanded the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP). The expansion speeds up approvals for vehicles built in the United States. It also helps developers test and deploy advanced systems sooner.

Why Trucking Should Pay Attention to the New AV Safety Standards

Trucking fleets should watch these updates closely. Automated driving is moving forward quickly. Commercial fleets will likely be early adopters.

New standards will define which trucks count as compliant. They will also keep rules consistent across state lines. This helps fleets operate without confusion.

Looking Ahead 

NHTSA’s plan to modernize AV Safety Standards shows a strong focus on both safety and progress. These changes replace outdated rules. They also create a foundation for a safer and more efficient future.

The updates matter for passenger vehicles. They also matter for commercial trucks that will use new technology on American roads.