The US Department of Transportation is taking a look into the necessary steps required to test Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Technologies.
The FMCSA released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) on May 22 requesting public comment on the questions regarding the regulations that surround human operators and how they may differ for ADS. Subsequently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also seeking public opinion on the current regulatory barriers set in place that may inhibit the launch of ADS vehicles.
Human Operator Vs. ADS
“One of the Department’s priorities is to prepare for the future by engaging with new technology while addressing legitimate public concerns about safety, security, and privacy, without hampering innovation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The FMCSA states the questions surrounding Human Operator regulations versus ADS, “focus on topics such as: requirements of human drivers; CDL endorsements; Hours of Service rules; medical qualifications; distracted driving; safe driving, inspection, repair, and maintenance; roadside inspections; and cybersecurity.”
The NHTSA is looking to find a way to measure the compliance of ADS vehicles without the normal controls such as steering wheels and brake pedals.
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making
“FMCSA is hoping to receive feedback from commercial motor vehicle stakeholders and the motoring public on how the agency should adapt its regulations for the development of increased automated driving systems in large trucks and buses,” says FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez.
ANPRMs have a 60-day comment period that starts the day they are posted in the Federal Register
For more information about the FMCSA’s document, click here.
For more information about the NHTSA’s document, click here.
