NHTSA withdraws proposed voluntary safety program for self-driving vehicles
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Table of Contents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is canceling a proposal that would have created a voluntary reporting system for companies operating autonomous driving systems. The agency had planned to establish the ADS-Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program, or AV STEP, which would have required participating manufacturers and developers to share operational data and undergo independent safety assessments.
Why it matters: This action removes a proposed layer of federal reporting requirements for autonomous vehicle developers. It signals that NHTSA is relying on other existing frameworks, like the April 2025 Automated Vehicle Framework, to manage safety and transparency rather than creating a new standalone voluntary program. Companies previously planning to join AV STEP will need to look at those alternative guidelines instead.
Who it affects
- Autonomous vehicle manufacturers and developers
This withdrawal was published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Federal Register; readers should check the original document for full legal details before relying on this summary.
Agency: Transportation Department, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document