The Trump administration is looking to relax regulations for self-driving cars, as reported by Bloomberg. Although the specifics of the policy are not confirmed yet, it is expected that the new rules will make it easier for fully autonomous vehicles to be on the road. This move could potentially benefit companies like Tesla, which recently unveiled the Cybercab. This means that American drivers may soon see more self-driving cars sharing the roads with them.
According to Bloomberg, the incoming Trump administration aims to establish a federal framework to regulate driverless cars. Bipartisan legislation is already being discussed to create new federal rules for autonomous vehicles, potentially removing obstacles such as increasing the number of self-driving cars allowed on public roads. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants exemptions for manufacturers to deploy up to 2500 autonomous vehicles per year. Previous attempts to increase this cap to 100,000 were not successful during Trump’s first term or under the Biden administration.
While specific details of the policy under the Trump administration are still unknown, it is worth noting that no nominee has been selected to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Emil Michael, a former Uber executive, is rumored to be one of the top candidates for the position. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been in contact with Trump and his team, is expected to benefit from the potential relaxation of self-driving regulations. Musk has been working towards a fleet of driverless taxis and recently introduced the Cybercab, an electric two-seater without a steering wheel or pedals.
The current federal regulations restrict the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads, but with the anticipated changes, these restrictions may be lifted. It is important to remember that individual states also have their own regulations concerning self-driving cars, which will need to be considered as well. The future of self-driving cars in the U.S. appears to be evolving, with potential changes on the horizon.
Eric Stafford, an automotive journalist for Car and Driver, has been passionate about cars since a young age. His journey to becoming a journalist involved years of working with various vehicles and finally led him to his current role. His experience and knowledge in the automotive industry provide valuable insights into the world of self-driving cars and the impact of regulatory changes. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, journalists like Eric play a crucial role in informing the public about these advancements.
