On January 8, 2020, the U.S. unveiled an updated non-binding
federal policy for autonomous vehicles. The policy, issued by the
White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation's
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, continues to take a
hands-off approach to the regulation of autonomous vehicles. The
updated policy aims to reinforce safety guidelines, unify federal
agencies' efforts, and ease regulatory barriers to U.S.
innovation.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the
policy, titled Ensuring American Leadership in Automated
Vehicle Technologies 4.0, at the annual CES technology
conference in Las Vegas. In her remarks, Chao said, "AV 4.0
will ensure American leadership in AV technology development and
integration by providing unified guidance for the first time across
the Federal government for innovators and stakeholders."
