Top Automakers Push US Congress to Fast-Track AV Rules

Leading automakers are urging Congress and the Trump administration to accelerate updates to federal regulations governing autonomous vehicles (AVs), citing expanding robotaxi tests and global competition, particularly from China.

Industry representatives testified before the US House of Representatives on Thursday, highlighting regulatory stagnation at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency has yet to revise rules or grant annual exemptions for up to 2,500 vehicles without traditional human controls, including steering wheels and brake pedals.

“The auto industry wants — it needs — a functioning and effective auto safety regulator. We do not have that today,” said John Bozzella, CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “The agency isn’t nimble. Rulemakings take too long, if they happen at all.”

Jeff Farrah, Director, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, called on lawmakers to enact nationwide AV legislation to prevent a fragmented state-by-state framework. “Right now we are fighting with one hand tied behind our back,” he said.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy previously stated that a new departmental framework is in progress, aimed at helping domestic automakers stay competitive with Chinese firms. In early June, NHTSA announced plans to expedite reviews of AV deployment petitions seeking exemption from current design requirements.

However, concerns remain over the agency’s capacity to implement these changes. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) cited internal reports indicating that NHTSA has lost up to 35% of its expert staff in 2025 due to layoffs and resignations. NHTSA disputed the figure, stating that “significantly fewer people have left” and reaffirming its ability to meet safety and mission-critical obligations, including expansion of its Office of Autonomous Safety.

Public safety concerns have added urgency to the discussion. US traffic deaths fell 3.8% in 2024 to 39,345 but remain substantially above pre-pandemic levels and double the average of other high-income nations. In 2019, there were 36,355 fatalities.

“NHTSA is failing to meet the moment,” said David Harkey, President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. He criticized the agency’s approach, stating it “lacks urgency” and relies on “flawed methodologies” that downplay the benefits of established safety interventions.