H.R. 4661: Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act

This bill, known as the "Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act" or the "AMERICA DRIVES Act," proposes several changes regarding the operation of commercial motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS).

Key Provisions

1. Preemption of State Laws

The bill aims to clarify that states cannot enforce laws requiring a human driver to be present in commercial vehicles that are equipped with Level 4 or Level 5 automated driving systems. Specifically, it states that:

• Commercial vehicles fitted with advanced ADS may operate without a human driver onboard or accessible remotely.
• Regulations will be established by the Secretary of Transportation to ensure compliance and implementation of this provision.

2. Definitions Additions

To provide clarity, new definitions are introduced, including:

• ADS-equipped vehicle: A motor vehicle with an automated driving system.
• Automated driving system (ADS): Refers to the hardware and software that control the vehicle's driving tasks autonomously.
• Definitions for Level 4 and Level 5 automation, indicating the extent to which human intervention is not required for driving.

3. Regulatory Streamlining

The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to streamline existing regulations by September 30, 2027. This includes:

• Amending current regulations to clarify that they do not apply to ADS-equipped vehicles operating without a human driver, such as those related to driving hours, drug testing, and commercial licensing.
• Defining terms like "remote driver" (who controls the vehicle from a distance) and "remote assistance" (providing support to the ADS from a remote location).

4. Ensuring Regulatory Fairness

It states that no regulation should disproportionately burden or discriminate against ADS-equipped vehicles compared to traditional commercial vehicles. This aims to ensure a level playing field in regulatory compliance and operations.

5. Exclusions for Automated Driving Technologies

The bill specifies that measurements and regulations will not include the automated driving technologies and equipment when calculating dimensions and compliance. This may allow for wider flexibility in the design and operation of these vehicles.

6. Regulatory Interpretations

The bill directs that certain regulations are to be applied as if cab-mounted warning beacons are permissible, aligning with recent proposals for exemptions related to safety equipment on vehicles.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA - Tesla, Inc.: As a leader in autonomous driving technology, Tesla could see a significant impact from the establishment of regulations that allow for broader ADS operations without human drivers.
• GOOGL - Alphabet Inc. (Waymo): Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet focusing on self-driving technology, may benefit from increased regulatory support for ADS vehicles.
• GM - General Motors Company: GM is developing autonomous vehicle technologies and could be influenced by changes in regulations regarding their deployment on highways.
• F - Ford Motor Company: Ford is also involved in developing autonomous driving solutions, potentially benefiting from favorable regulatory conditions outlined in the bill.