US Regulators Recently Authorized a Vehicle Lacking a Steering Wheel, Pedals, and a Human Driver | Carscoops

      Before this exemption, only autonomous vehicles from abroad were approved.

      Zoox’s self-driving robotaxi, which lacks traditional driving controls, has received certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The safety agency had previously looked into Zoox’s vehicles after incidents and recalls.

      The Trump administration aims to enhance American technology by relaxing certain regulations.

      Autonomous vehicles are gradually approaching widespread adoption, and a recent regulatory achievement signifies significant progress for a major player in the industry. Autonomous vehicle developer Zoox has secured an important exemption from the NHTSA, officially allowing its vehicles to be used for demonstration purposes.

      This decision marks a substantial success for the Amazon-owned firm and coincides with the conclusion of a federal investigation into its prior regulatory adherence.

      In 2022, the NHTSA initiated an inquiry into Zoox vehicles to assess their compliance with federal safety standards after the company certified them without standard driving controls. Recently, Zoox sought an exemption from certain NHTSA requirements, which has now been granted.

      A Change in Policy for US-Based AV Firms

      The exemption has been provided through the broadened Automated Vehicle Exemption Program and is a crucial element of Transport Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, which seeks to advance U.S. technology and safety. Historically, exemptions were available only for foreign autonomous vehicles, and not for those produced in the United States.

      Significantly, this could lead to other U.S. companies obtaining similar NHTSA exemptions. Secretary Duffy is particularly enthusiastic about enhancing the capabilities of American autonomous vehicles, and this development could serve as a vital means to achieve that goal.

      “This is a win-win for safety and innovation. Under President Trump’s leadership, U.S. firms like Zoox have a pathway to develop and test their cutting-edge technologies. America – not China – can and will drive the future of self-driving vehicles,” Duffy stated.

      Future Steps for Zoox

      Even with the exemption, Zoox must modify or retract previous statements claiming that its specially designed vehicles already met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The new certification enables testing under the exemption but requires adjustments in the company's public messaging.

      The NHTSA has been monitoring Zoox closely. In May 2024, it began an investigation into the company’s vehicles following two rear-end accidents and a recall related to braking issues. In May, Zoox also had to recall 270 vehicles shortly after one of its robotaxis was involved in a crash in Las Vegas.