NHTSA Changing Rules
For Domestic Car Makers
April 26, 2025 - Washington DC
Thursday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it is updating rules to allow domestically produced autonomous vehicles to qualify for exemptions from U.S. auto safety standards previously offered only to imports. NHTSA will continue to require car makers and other companies to report crashes involving self-driving systems while loosening some reporting requirements.
NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said of the move that NHTSA is “Actively engaged in developing a multi-faceted regulatory framework for vehicles with automated driving systems.”
It is still too early to know how these changes will impact motorcyclists. However, the move does signal a push by the Trump Administration to remove previous restrictions on self-driving vehicles. For the last decade, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been raising concerns that this new technology may be unable to recognize and react to motorcyclists. Now more than ever, the MRF will remain vigilant, work with our partners on Capitol Hill and fight to protect the safety of everyone on our national roadways.
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