U.S. DOT Releases Updates to Self-Driving Car Guidance; Seeks Comment on National Pilot Program for Self-Driving Cars

The U.S. Department of Transportation (“U.S. DOT”) has been busy this month addressing the issue of connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”) on U.S. roadways.

On October 4, U.S. DOT released new federal guidance for CAVs titled Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0 (“AV 3.0”). AV 3.0 builds upon voluntary guidance issued last year by U.S. DOT. AV 3.0 is currently in its draft form, and U.S. DOT is seeking comment on the document. The deadline for filing comments is 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Instructions for filing a comment can be found HERE.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”)—an administration within U.S. DOT—released on October 10 an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (“ANPRM”) for a national pilot program for CAV testing. Titled Pilot Program for Collaborative Research on Motor Vehicles with High or Full Driving Automation, the ANPRM seeks public comment on “matters related to the near-term and long-term challenges of [CAV] testing, development and eventual deployment.” NHTSA is requesting responses to 18 questions, particularly focusing on the design and establishment of a national pilot program. The deadline for filing comments is November 26, 2018. Comments can be filed HERE.

Ice Miller has a burgeoning Internet of Things (“IoT”) practice group tackling the new legal risks and opportunities that have emerged across a wide-range of industries. Ice Miller provides legal solutions for our clients, including those involved with Smart Cities, CAVs, Industrial IoT, the Internet of Health Things, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and many other connected businesses.

To speak to a professional, please contact Judy Okenfuss, managing partner of Ice Miller and chair of the IoT Industry Group, at judy.okenfuss@icemiller.com.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader’s specific circumstances.