Trump announces first steps to ease regulations on autonomous vehicles

The NHTSA announced it will update existing regulations for autonomous vehicles manufactured in the U.S.

President Donald Trump’s administration has unveiled its first policy measures aimed at removing regulatory barriers for autonomous vehicles, as part of an effort to foster innovation in the sector and strengthen competitiveness against countries like China.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it will update existing regulations to allow autonomous vehicles manufactured in the U.S. to qualify for exemptions previously available only to imported models. This regulatory easing represents a significant step toward the mass commercialization of vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, such as the robotaxis Tesla plans to launch in the near future.

The measure also includes a revision of safety incident reporting requirements, reducing certain demands considered unnecessary, while maintaining the obligation to report accidents related to automated driving technologies. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the goal is to “dramatically cut through bureaucracy” and allow manufacturers to compete on a level international playing field.

NHTSA promises a balance between technology and public safety

The new policy has generated mixed reactions. While the Alliance for Automotive Innovation welcomed the announcement for providing clarity and streamlining key processes, organizations like Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety voiced concerns over the loosening of safety standards and the reduction in transparency.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close ally of Trump, has been one of the main advocates for federal regulations that allow autonomous vehicles to operate without human controls. Tesla, which accounts for a high percentage of reported accidents under current regulations, stands to benefit significantly from these changes.

The announcement comes at a challenging time for the industry. General Motors recently withdrew a request to deploy thousands of robotaxis after facing regulatory hurdles and an incident involving one of its Cruise vehicles. In contrast, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, continues to expand its operations and plans to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington D.C. next year.

The NHTSA stated it is “developing a multifaceted regulatory framework” to balance technological progress with public safety. The new measures will also extend the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program to domestic manufacturers, potentially accelerating the deployment of these vehicles on American roads.

In a global context of intense technological competition, the Trump administration is seeking to position the United States as a leader in the autonomous mobility revolution. However, the success of these policies will depend on striking a difficult balance between innovation, safety, and accountability.