President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly exploring the possibility of eliminating the federal requirement for automakers to report crashes involving advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or fully automated driving technologies, Reuters reported. This potential policy shift could significantly streamline regulatory processes for companies like Tesla and other developers of autonomous technologies.
Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that automakers disclose any crash that occurs when ADAS or automated driving systems were active within 30 seconds of the incident. According to Reuters, Tesla, which has reported over 1,500 such incidents since 2021, could particularly benefit from removing this requirement. The company has faced multiple NHTSA investigations, including three directly tied to these crash reports.
Industry advocates suggest that easing reporting rules could reduce regulatory bottlenecks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has described the federal approval process for autonomous vehicles as “incredibly painful,” may find an ally in Trump’s administration. Musk’s relationship with the President-elect could shape how regulatory hurdles are addressed, potentially creating a more favorable environment for emerging autonomous technologies.
Beyond Tesla, other automakers and tech firms working on automation, including General Motors’ Cruise, could benefit from the relaxed rules. Reuters noted that Cruise recently faced a $1.5 million fine for failing to disclose an incident under the current NHTSA regulations. Critics, however, warn that while removing crash-reporting requirements might reduce negative publicity, it could undermine transparency and consumer trust in autonomous systems.