Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that automated vehicle petitions from Nuro and General Motors (GM) are advancing to the Federal Register for public review and comment.  

“The Department is actively seeking public comment on proposed exemptions to federal standards and how the public can be protected as new transportation technologies emerge,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Manufacturers must submit a petition to NHTSA to apply for a temporary exemption if a proposed new vehicle does not comply with all existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). There is an exemption cap of 2,500 vehicles per manufacturer. These standards were developed when all vehicles had human drivers and automated vehicle technologies were not yet anticipated.   

Today, NHTSA issued notices summarizing each petition and encouraging public comment and participation. The Federal Register notices can be viewed by clicking on the following links for Nuro and for GM. The petitions will be open to comment for 60 days.

“The Department will consider all comments in order to keep public safety a priority while also fostering innovation,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi R. King.

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