The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has authorized self-driving vehicles to operate without manual control in accordance with updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. While fully autonomous cars are likely to go on sale in a few years, the new rule opens up the possibility for automakers to ditch the steering wheel and pedals.
“During the 2020s, an important part [the Department of Transportation’s] The safety mission will be to ensure that safety standards keep pace with the development of automated driving and driver assistance systems,” said Transport Minister Pete Buttigieg. “This new rule is an important step that sets strong safety standards for [Automated Driving Systems]equipped vehicles.
As Roadshow points out, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations govern every element of a stock car. The final rule states that whether or not they have a steering wheel and pedals, cars with automated driving systems must provide the same level of protection for drivers and passengers as other cars.
Fully autonomous (level 5) vehicles are not yet on the market. Teslas are at level 2 (they have some autonomy, but the human driver must be willing to take control). Volkswagen is releasing a level 4 version of its ID.Buzz electric car, while pilot projects for robot taxis and unmanned shuttles are underway. At CES 2022, Cadillac showed off a luxury electric car concept without a steering wheel or pedals.
The NHTSA acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the development and deployment of vehicles equipped with ADS. “However, NHTSA considers it appropriate to complete this action at this time, pending the emergence of new ADS vehicle designs that NHTSA has seen in prototype form,” the agency said in a statement.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team independently of our parent company. Some of our stories contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.