FMCSA plans proposal on driverless truck rules

FMCSA expects to unveil a notice of proposed rulemaking on the Motor Carrier Operation of ADS-Equipped Commercial Motor Vehicles.

The agency said in the regulatory agenda that it wants to amend certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to help with the safe introduction of ADS-equipped commercial motor vehicles on U.S. roads. FMCSA said the proposed changes to the CMV operations, inspection, repair and maintenance rules would prioritize safety and security, promote innovation, foster a consistent regulatory approach to ADS-equipped CMVs, and recognize the difference between human operators and ADS.

This is not the first step FMCSA has taken on the issue. In May 2019, the agency issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on commercial motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. In 2023, FMCSA published a second advance notice after deciding it needed more feedback.

FMCSA is targeting August for the release of its proposal.

The article also notes concerns raised by industry and safety groups. In 2023, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said autonomous trucks are not the “cure-all” some suggest. OOIDA said decisions made today will affect the deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies, ADS-equipped commercial motor vehicles, and the livelihood of professional truck drivers and the economy at large.

Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned autonomous vehicles that interfere with law enforcement and other first responders. NHTSA said it had documented multiple instances in which AVs drove into active emergency scenes, blocked ambulances and firefighters, or failed to recognize flashing lights, flares, smoke, fire and traffic cones.

NHTSA said human drivers are legally obligated to clear the way for emergency vehicles and that driverless cars should not be treated differently. The agency also said drivers who impede those operations are subject to fines and even jail time.

During a House hearing in 2023, Cathy Chase of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety said prudence is needed when discussing autonomous vehicles of any level. During a more recent Senate hearing, Teamsters executive Cole Scandaglia said his members are concerned about employers using driverless trucks to cut labor costs.