A significant autonomous vehicle bill known as the SELF DRIVE Act has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill covers a core federal framework for autonomous vehicle regulation and it highlights the federal government’s interest in finally taking the issue seriously.
While self-driving cars have been tested on public roads for quite a few years, the federal government hasn’t put any comprehensive federal regulations in place. The primary regulations that apply to autonomous vehicles right now are coming at the state level.
This legislation gives the NHTSA the power to regulate vehicle designs, construction, and performance. States will primarily play a role in registration and licensing. The NHTSA will have 24 months to establish rules about what automakers must do to show they’re approaching autonomous vehicles in a safe way.
The NHTSA will also be allowed to give out more exemptions to the FMVSS, which mandates the inclusion of steering wheels and other core features in cars.
Companies must create privacy plans covering their collection, use, and storage of data.
Since this legislation has passed the House, it’s now headed to the Senate.
