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NHTSA Aims to Ban Self-Driving Cars

Now that vehicles that can handle fully automated driving are getting closer and closer to hitting the showroom, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to make sure that this kind of developments are completely safe.
Google self-driving car 1 photo
Photo: Google
Thus, the NHTSA wants to ban self-driving cars until it manages to complete their assessment. The process is estimated to take up to four years and the Administration wants only test, not consumer, vehicles to be out on the streets meanwhile.

The NHTSA wants each state to issue legislation that forbids the sale of automated driving cars. So far, the safety body is advising the states to follow its recommendation. In addition, the Administration has released a five-category classification for the automated driving vehicles:

  • No-Automation (Level 0): The driver is in complete and sole control of the primary vehicle controls – brake, steering, throttle, and motive power – at all times
  • Function-specific Automation (Level 1): Automation at this level involves one or more specific control functions. Examples include electronic stability control or pre-charged brakes, where the vehicle automatically assists with braking to enable the driver to regain control of the vehicle or stop faster than possible by acting alone
  • Combined Function Automation (Level 2): This level involves automation of at least two primary control functions designed to work in unison to relieve the driver of control of those functions. An example of combined functions enabling a Level 2 system is adaptive cruise control in combination with lane centering
  • Limited Self-Driving Automation (Level 3): Vehicles at this level of automation enable the driver to cede full control of all safety-critical functions under certain traffic or environmental conditions and in those conditions to rely heavily on the vehicle to monitor for changes in those conditions requiring transition back to driver control. The driver is expected to be available for occasional control, but with sufficiently comfortable transition time. The Google car is an example of limited self-driving automation.
  • Full Self-Driving Automation (Level 4): The vehicle is designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions for an entire trip. Such a design anticipates that the driver will provide destination or navigation input, but is not expected to be available for control at any time during the trip.This includes both occupied and unoccupied vehicles.

You can find the full NHTSA release on the matter in the PDF file below.
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 Download: Automated_Vehicles_Policy (PDF)

About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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