Trump Administration Proposes Allowing Autonomous Vehicles Without Brake Pedals

The Trump administration’s Department of Transportation proposed changes to federal vehicle regulations that would allow companies to omit brake pedals from vehicles designed exclusively for automated driving systems. TechCrunch reported that the proposal would remove a regulatory barrier for companies developing fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals.

The public has 30 days to comment on the proposal before the DOT decides whether to approve the changes.

This is the latest in a series of proposed changes to vehicle laws from the Trump DOT. Late last year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed removing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards requirements for windshield wiping, defogging systems, and tire placards.

During the Biden administration the NHTSA proposed and finalized a rule allowing autonomous vehicles to operate without steering wheels.

Companies developing autonomous vehicles missing FMVSS-required parts must currently request an exemption from the federal government, and regulations restrict the number of exempted vehicles that can be on the road. ” He added: “If we want America to lead the way, we have to reimagine our regulatory framework.

” Tesla has developed a two-seater vehicle called the Cybercab intended to operate without a steering wheel or pedals.

The company has not applied for an exemption from FMVSS standards requiring steering wheels or pedals for the Cybercab. Tesla has operated a small robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, for the past year, initially with safety drivers and later without them.