
Jeff KAGAN Industry Analyst, Strategic Advisor
RT
@SawyerMerritt: NHTSA announced today that they are proposing new rules aimed at removing U.S. federal regulatory barriers for autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, such as
@Tesla's Cybercab.
The proposed changes include:
• Eliminating requirements for manually operated turn signal controls in vehicles without steering wheels or pedals: "NHTSA has concluded that the self-canceling and manually operated control requirements in the current standard are unnecessary for turn signal operating units that are installed on vehicles without manually operated driving controls."
• Allowing autonomous driving systems to control turn signals, hazard lights, and high/low beams without traditional driver-operated switches.
• Removing certain dashboard indicator requirements for turn signals and high beams in vehicles without manual driving controls.
• Allowing optional cyan-colored exterior lights to indicate when a vehicle is operating autonomously, with standardized requirements for their placement, brightness, and operation.
• Eliminating outdated restrictions on vertical headlight arrangements, giving automakers greater design flexibility.
• Allowing modern integrated headlights to be tested at manufacturer-specified voltages rather than requiring 12.8 volts.
NHTSA says the changes are intended to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers, reduce costs, and enable innovation without compromising vehicle safety.