Jeff KAGAN Industry Analyst, Strategic Advisor

NHTSA announced today that they are proposing new rules aimed at removing U.S. federal regulatory barriers for autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, such as @Tesla's Cybercab. The proposed changes include: • Eliminating requirements for manually operated turn signal controls in vehicles without steering wheels or pedals: "NHTSA has concluded that the self-canceling and manually operated control requirements in the current standard are unnecessary for turn signal operating units that are installed on vehicles without manually operated driving controls." • Allowing autonomous driving systems to control turn signals, hazard lights, and high/low beams without traditional driver-operated switches. • Removing certain dashboard indicator requirements for turn signals and high beams in vehicles without manual driving controls. • Allowing optional cyan-colored exterior lights to indicate when a vehicle is operating autonomously, with standardized requirements for their placement, brightness, and operation. • Eliminating outdated restrictions on vertical headlight arrangements, giving automakers greater design flexibility. • Allowing modern integrated headlights to be tested at manufacturer-specified voltages rather than requiring 12.8 volts. NHTSA says the changes are intended to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers, reduce costs, and enable innovation without compromising vehicle safety.