NHTSA to Speed Petitions to Advance Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday issued a final ruling to streamline the application and review process for vehicle petitions submitted by manufacturers.

Dec. 19, 2018

Dec. 19, 2018—The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday issued a final rule to streamline the application and review process for vehicle petitions submitted by manufacturers while continuing to prioritize safety for drivers, occupants and other road users.

Manufacturers must submit a petition to apply for temporary exemption if a proposed new vehicle does not comply. Existing federal motor vehicle safety standards were developed when all vehicles had a human driver, and prior to the introduction of automated vehicle technologies, which are rapidly evolving.

To expedite the process in the future, NHTSA issued a final rule that eliminates the provision that calls for the agency to determine a petition is complete before publishing summary notices for public comment.