NHTSA developing federal ADS performance standard as US preps for larger-scale Robotaxi rollouts
Scobleizer · x · 2026-09-18
NHTSA announced it is developing a new federal safety standard for autonomous driving system performance, ahead of larger-scale Robotaxi deployments in the US.
Key points:
- Regulatory philosophy shift: rules will focus on whether the AV can actually perform safely, with measurable driving competencies and repeatable testing methods, rather than mandating specific physical controls or designs.
- NHTSA is launching the ASCEND consortium with SAE to accelerate data-driven AV performance standards, prioritizing corresponding FMVSS updates.
- It is developing a national AV "competency standard" and updating federal safety rules to accommodate vehicles designed without human drivers or traditional controls.
- NHTSA head Morrison noted existing rules were written before driverless vehicles were envisioned and often reference manual controls, requiring updates without compromising safety.
- Proposed changes to five major federal vehicle safety standards were also announced.
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