What’s Happening: The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) has released a federal policy framework that outlines recommendations for Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to promote the deployment and commercialization of safe autonomous technology across the United States.
Why It Matters: AVIA’s policy recommendations aim to unlock the full potential of autonomous vehicles in terms of safety, mobility, and economic opportunities for Americans. The recommendations encompass all types of autonomous vehicles, including zero-occupancy delivery vehicles, trucks, and passenger cars. If implemented, these policies could help solidify the U.S.’s position as a leader in AV technology and create new jobs while expanding mobility options.
Key Points:
- AVIA’s framework is the first recommended federal policy that includes all modes of autonomous vehicles.
- The recommendations include both steps that USDOT should take and necessary components of federal legislation to support the safe and expeditious advancement of AVs in the U.S.
- AVIA urges Congress to enact federal legislation that supports U.S. innovation in AVs, recognizes the importance of positive AV policy, encompasses all vehicle types, expands AV testing and evaluation, and preserves the federal role in regulating motor vehicles and interstate motor carrier activity, among other things.
- AVIA encourages USDOT to update regulations to support AV deployment, accelerate the path for novel design vehicles, promote AV safety by developing technical standards and conducting research, and preserve foreign market access via engagement with other governments and international bodies, among other things.
Bottom Line: AVIA’s federal policy recommendations seek to promote the safe and expeditious advancement of autonomous vehicles in the U.S. The recommendations encompass all types of autonomous vehicles and include both steps that USDOT should take and necessary components of federal legislation. If implemented, these policies could help unlock the full potential of autonomous vehicles, create new jobs, and expand mobility options while solidifying the U.S.’s position as a leader in AV technology.
