On February 16, 2023, Ariel Wolf was quoted in Automotive News on autonomous vehicle manufacturers self-certifying compliance with existing federal motor vehicle safety standards as new autonomous taxis are deployed on public roads.
According to the article, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not preapprove or prohibit the introduction of new vehicles or vehicle technology, as long as they conform with motor vehicle safety standards. In some cases, NHTSA may scrutinize self-certifications to ensure they conform with the standards. Autonomous vehicles that do not comply with the standards can still be deployed, as long as companies first receive a NHTSA exemption.
"Self-certification is a bedrock principle of automotive regulation in the United States, so it's not surprising to see that approach in the deployment of autonomous vehicles, including those with novel designs," said Wolf.
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