FreightCasts Truck Tech EP107 Unpacking Autonomous Vehicle Regulations: What Fleets & Tech Companies Need to Know
Jul 2, 2025
Adam Raviv, Global Co-Chair of Sidley's Automotive and Mobility Practice and former Chief Counsel at NHTSA, shares expert insights on autonomous vehicle regulations. He discusses the chaotic 'Wild West' of local and state rules that clash with federal standards. Raviv explains the importance of safety cases in AV development and the need for redundant safety systems. He also highlights the distinct challenges faced by autonomous trucks versus robotaxis and the heightened public scrutiny that can impact industry dynamics.
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Federal Standards Apply Universally
- Existing federal motor vehicle safety standards broadly apply to both autonomous and human-driven vehicles.
- There are no unique federal regulations purely for autonomous vehicles yet, creating a regulatory ambiguity.
Use Safety Cases & Join AVSTEP
- Companies use third-party validated safety cases to prove their autonomous systems are safe.
- Participating in voluntary programs like AVSTEP offers regulatory advantages and helps build public trust.
Multi-Agency Trucking Regulation Challenge
- FMCSA and NHTSA regulate different aspects of trucking, creating a complex multi-agency regulatory environment.
- Coordinated action between agencies is required for autonomous trucking regulations to align effectively.