The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called on autonomous vehicle developers to address safety issues involving driverless vehicles at emergency scenes, giving companies until the end of July to present plans for improving vehicle behavior.
In a letter sent to developers of automated driving systems (ADS), NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison cited multiple incidents in which autonomous vehicles entered active emergency scenes or failed to respond appropriately to traffic control measures used by first responders.
The agency said it plans to meet with developers before the end-of-July deadline to review proposed solutions and will continue using its enforcement authority where necessary to address safety concerns.
Agency Cites Pattern of Emergency Scene Incidents
According to NHTSA, driverless vehicles have been involved in a number of incidents in which they entered emergency response areas or interfered with the movement of police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The agency said the vehicles did not consistently recognize conditions such as flashing emergency lights, traffic flares, smoke, fire or traffic cones.
Jonathan Morrison said the issue represents a broader safety concern rather than an isolated technical problem.
“An automated vehicle that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the general public.”
He also described the issue as “a functional insufficiency” rather than a minor software issue.
“Every second matters when law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics are answering a call because lives are on the line.”
Meetings Planned Before End-of-July Deadline
NHTSA said it will meet individually with automated driving system developers before the end of July to discuss measures aimed at improving vehicle performance in emergency situations.
The agency said it expects companies to prioritize the issue and submit proposals for addressing the identified safety risks.
Morrison concluded the letter by emphasizing the importance of public confidence in autonomous vehicle technology.
“Public trust on our roads is earned, not given.”
Regulatory Work on Autonomous Vehicles Continues
NHTSA said the request is separate from its broader efforts to update regulations governing autonomous vehicles.
The agency pointed to its 2026 Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda, which includes proposed revisions to several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) covering areas such as transmission controls, braking systems, windshield systems, tire information, lighting, mirrors and electronic stability control.
NHTSA also said it is continuing work on national competency standards for autonomous vehicles, updated federal safety guidance and an expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program covering both imported and domestically produced autonomous vehicles.
The agency said these initiatives are intended to support the development of autonomous driving technologies while maintaining vehicle safety requirements.