US NHTSA Considers Removing Mandated Controls in Self-Driving Cars

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is exploring potential regulatory reforms that could eliminate the requirement for self-driving vehicles to be equipped with human-operated controls, such as steering wheels and pedals. NHTSA Administrator Joe Morrison suggested in a recent interview that current mandates may no longer be relevant for vehicles designed without a driver.

Morrison questioned the necessity of requiring controls for human operation in vehicles not originally designed for it, stating the answer is likely clear. This stance suggests a potential shift in U.S. regulations to accommodate advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. Companies like Waymo and Uber are developing autonomous vehicles, with some models intended to operate without an onboard human driver.

Current regulations in the U.S. mandate that self-driving cars retain human control interfaces. This raises concerns about how passengers would take over vehicle control in emergency situations if these interfaces are absent. Companies such as Waymo utilize remote human oversight for such scenarios.

NHTSA's role is to oversee the industry while facilitating technological progress. Morrison emphasized the agency's goal to support industry success and development, provided it occurs safely and appropriately. These potential regulatory adjustments could pave the way for further innovation and deployment of autonomous driving systems in the United States.