New Legislation May Allow Autonomous Trucks to Bypass Drug Testing and Rest Periods | Carscoops

      The America Drives Act aims to establish a national framework while eliminating some human-centered regulations.

      Just 15 hours ago, Congressman Vince Fong proposed a bill designed to set a national framework for self-driving trucks.

      This initiative intends to clarify legal uncertainties, tackle driver shortages, and enhance freight efficiency.

      Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles would be permitted to operate across the country without any drivers or remote operators on board.

      A newly introduced piece of legislation may shape the operational landscape for autonomous trucks throughout the United States. Announced this week in the House of Representatives, the America Drives Act provides a national structure for self-driving freight transport. The bill seeks to solve what it describes as a bewildering collection of state regulations that obstruct advancement, also noting the shortage of truck drivers as a critical issue that automation could address.

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      Presented by Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20), this bill would empower the Department of Transportation to regulate autonomous trucks, allowing Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles to function across state lines without the need for human or remote drivers.

      The America Drives Act, which stands for Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety, aims to simplify policy and tackle labor concerns. Fong contends that the United States is lagging behind nations that have already begun to incorporate autonomous freight.

      Inconsistent State Laws Hinder Progress

      “While Europe and China rapidly integrate autonomous trucks into their supply chains, America remains inactive, constrained by a confusing tangle of state regulations that jeopardize public safety, innovation, and economic growth,” remarked Fong. Currently, 35 U.S. states permit some degree of AV truck testing or deployment, but varying or conflicting laws have impeded wider implementation.

      If enacted, this legislation would formalize a 2018 interpretation stating that federal safety regulations do not necessitate a human driver. It would mandate the government to revise rules for automated driving systems (ADS) by 2027 and eliminate requirements designed for human drivers, who periodically need rest or breaks.

      Autonomous trucks would not be subject to hours-of-service restrictions, nor would they have to adhere to drug testing protocols, since machines aren't known to take leisurely vacations.

      The Labor Shortage Discussion

      The situation may be exacerbated by what the trucking industry describes as a continuing labor shortage. Truck drivers and trucking companies perceive the shortage differently: one side argues there are insufficient qualified drivers, while the other claims companies are reluctant to pay competitive wages to retain drivers.

      In truth, many first-year truck drivers do not remain in the profession, leading to high turnover rates. However, autonomous driving could potentially alleviate this issue. If companies can devise a method for large trucks to safely navigate typically low-wage routes independently, it might resolve the ‘shortage.’

      Teamsters President Sean O’Brien brought this topic up during a hearing, highlighting the necessity for job protection, as reported by FreightWaves. “I support efficiencies – our labor agreement with port workers incorporates those efficiencies,” he stated. “However, the agreement also includes job protections resulting from the implementation of new technology. Ensuring job protection and creation would be a primary focus upon implementation.”