U.S. Government Approves New Automated Vehicle Framework: Regulations Eased to Boost Innovation

MAY 9.2025, By lan

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1. Introduction

   On April 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new Automated Vehicle (AV) Framework. 

   This framework aims to unleash American innovation, maintain key safety standards, and prevent a patchwork of state laws and regulations.

2. Three Core Principles of the New AV Framework

   NHTSA's AV Framework is built on three main principles:

- Prioritize Safety: 

   The framework will maintain the Standing General Order for crash reporting on vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS). At the same time, it will streamline redundant reporting requirements and focus on critical safety data.

- Unleash Innovation: 

   By expanding the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP), the framework will, for the first time, allow domestically produced vehicles to apply for exemptions. Previously, only imported vehicles were eligible. This change aims to create a level playing field for U.S. manufacturers.

- Enable Commercial Deployment: 

   The modernization of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) will be a top priority. This will pave the way for the safe commercial deployment of automated vehicle technology in the U.S.

3. Policy Background and Official Statements

- Competition with China: 

   U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy emphasized that the new framework is a "key move in the race for innovation leadership with China." He stated, "Our innovation agenda will reduce red tape and move us closer to a single national standard that balances safety and technological progress."

- Lowering R&D Costs: 

   NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser highlighted that streamlining crash reporting and expanding AVEP coverage will lower R&D costs for companies. This will help the U.S. become a global leader in next-generation automotive technology.
Key Quotes:
"This Administration understands that we're in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn't be higher," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy.
"By streamlining the SGO for Crash Reporting and expanding an existing exemption program to domestic vehicles, we are enabling AV manufacturers to develop faster and spend less time on unnecessary process, while still advancing safety," said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser.

4. Implementation Pathway

   Entities interested in applying for exemptions are encouraged to contact the Automation Exemptions Division of NHTSA's Office of Automation Safety at AVExemptions@dot.gov for more information. 

   NHTSA will also soon publish a notice in the Federal Register regarding this exemption opportunity for domestically produced vehicles.

 

automated-vehicle-exemption-program-domestic-exemptions-2025.pdf

5. Conclusion

   The latest policy moves by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and NHTSA are highly relevant for manufacturers and suppliers involved in automated vehicle technology and ADAS. 

   The announcements show a clear federal commitment to accelerating domestic AV innovation. The core strategy includes updating the FMVSS to remove barriers for safe commercial deployment and building a regulatory environment that supports rapid technological iteration.

   Stay tuned for more updates as the U.S. paves the way for the future of automated vehicles.