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yesterday

NHTSA Overhauls Exemption Process to Fast-Track Driverless Cars

Officials say the new process will cut review times to months for automakers seeking to deploy vehicles without human controls

A self-driving Waymo car drives through Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/ File Photo
The logo of Tesla is seen on a store in Paris, France, October 30, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
DOT, NHTSA, regulations, autonomous vehicles

Overview

  • NHTSA can grant up to 2,500 exemptions per manufacturer for fully autonomous vehicles lacking steering wheels, pedals or mirrors
  • Only one company, Nuro, has obtained an FMVSS exemption so far for its low-speed delivery robots
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized existing requirements for bogging down developers and hampering US competitiveness in self-driving technology
  • Major automakers including GM and Ford withdrew earlier exemption petitions after protracted reviews, highlighting industry frustration
  • Tesla plans to begin offering public rides in its self-driving robotaxis from June 22, although those vehicles will still include human controls