NHTSA has issued notice of proposed rulemaking proposes a voluntary framework for the evaluation and oversight of motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS). The ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) would establish a national program for ADS-equipped vehicles that operate or may operate on public roads in the United States under NHTSA's oversight with the goal of improving public transparency related to the safety of certain ADS-equipped vehicles, while allowing for responsible development of this technology. This proposal includes procedures for application, participation, public reporting, and program administration. It identifies content requirements for applications, including independent assessments of ADS safety processes, such as the safety cases used and conformance to industry standards. These application requirements will inform NHTSA's decisions on terms and conditions for participation. The proposal also contains reporting requirements for participants, including periodic and event-triggered reporting. Comments are requested on or before March 17, 2025. Agency Contact: Katherine L Chasins, Rulemaking Office of Automation Safety by email: katherine.chasins@dot.gov, or phone: (202) 366-7396. PUBLISHED: 1/15/25; ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; REFERENCE: 90 FR 4130; REFERENCE: 49 CFR Part 571.101 and 571.208: Effective March 4, 2025. View in Federal Register: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-03/pdf/2024-30340.pdf
