The U.S. Congress is moving forward with legislation designed to support the deployment of autonomous driving systems in commercial vehicles, seeking to establish a unified regulatory framework across state lines. The proposed bill, titled the AMERICA DRIVES Act, would preempt state requirements mandating human drivers in vehicles equipped with high-level automation and direct the federal government to update existing rules.
Formally known as the Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act, the legislation targets key regulatory gaps that currently complicate interstate operations for vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADS). It would permit commercial motor vehicles equipped with SAE Level 4 or Level 5 automation to operate without a human driver on board or controlling the vehicle remotely.
The bill also sets a deadline for federal regulatory updates. By September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Transportation must issue new rules and revise existing ones under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, including areas originally designed for human-operated vehicles such as hours of service, drug testing, and physical driver qualifications.
“This legislation lays the groundwork for a consistent, nationwide approach to autonomous trucking while maintaining strong safety standards,” a congressional aide familiar with the bill said.
The act does not mandate automation but ensures that those who choose to implement ADS technologies are not subject to conflicting or redundant rules. Definitions for terms such as “remote driver” and “remote assistance” are included, aligning with SAE International’s J3016 automation standards. Remote drivers are defined as individuals operating a vehicle without physical access to manual controls, while remote assistants provide guidance or information during specific situations without directly controlling the vehicle.
To support continued innovation, the bill would exclude ADS-related hardware from vehicle width measurements and formally allow the use of cab-mounted warning beacons, aligning with a 2023 exemption request meant to enhance safety in driverless operations.
The proposed legislation arrives as the trucking industry explores automation to address workforce shortages, reduce operational costs, and improve safety. By shifting regulatory authority to the federal level, the bill aims to reduce legal uncertainty for technology developers and commercial carriers.
Industry observers say the legislation reflects a broader push to modernize transportation infrastructure and technology. If enacted, the AMERICA DRIVES Act would mark a significant step toward integrating fully automated commercial vehicles into the U.S. logistics network under a clear and unified regulatory framework.
