As part of its new Automated Vehicle Framework, the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has commenced rulemaking for its fifth update to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
The measure would eliminate the mandate for manual brake pedals in vehicles designed to be driven exclusively by automated driving systems (ADS).
The move builds on the agency’s effort to safely unleash American innovation and rethink the types of equipment – like windshield wipers or a rearview mirror – vehicles don’t need if a human being will never drive the car.
Other braking performance requirements, including strict stopping distance standards, will be preserved. For ADS-equipped vehicles with manual driving controls, all existing standard requirements will be retained.
“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.
“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.”
