NHTSA proposes removing requirement for manual brakes in autonomous vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has updated the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is proposing that manual brakes be eliminated as a mandate for vehicles designed to be driven exclusively by automated driving systems (ADS). 

NHTSA has also previously proposed that transmission shifting, windshield defrosting/wiping and tire placards be exemptions for autonomous vehicles (AV)

“Regardless of the manner of brake control application, the brake systems must be capable of safely stopping the vehicle, as already required by the standard,” the proposal says. “This rulemaking would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs with no negative impact to vehicle safety. ”

ADS vehicles equipped with manual driving controls, will continue to have existing standard requirements. 

“We are at the cusp of the greatest technological revolution in vehicle technology since the innovation of the Model T,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said in the release. “If we want America to lead the way, we have to reimagine our regulatory framework. That’s why under Secretary Sean Duffy’s AV Framework, NHTSA is tearing down pointless barriers to innovative designs while strengthening the fundamental safety requirements that matter and holding AV developers accountable for safe performance. This approach will ultimately reduce roadway crashes, prevent fatalities, and increase mobility.” 

The Trump administration has already streamlined an Automated Vehicle Exemption Program or demonstration and commercial fleets and expanded it to include domestic vehicles, the release says. 

It also has initiated the development of the world’s first standards for AV performance and has started drafting the first major federal safety guidance for AV developers since 2017, the release. 

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