Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Senators Make Final Attempt to Pass Autonomous Vehicle Bill

As the end of the year approaches, U.S. senators are making a final push to pass comprehensive legislation for a regulatory framework that would accelerate the deployment and use of self-driving cars.

December 5, 2018
Senators Make Final Attempt to Pass Autonomous Vehicle Bill

Two U.S. senators are hoping to pass a federal law regulating autonomous vehicles, but it faces long odds of passage.

Photo courtesy of Photo YourSpace/Flickr.

2 min to read


As the end of the year approaches, U.S. senators are making a final push to pass comprehensive legislation for a regulatory framework that would accelerate the deployment and use of self-driving cars, reports Reuters.

With the goal of breaking a legislative stalemate over an earlier bill approved by the House in September 2017 but stalled in the Senate, aides of U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have circulated a draft of a revised bill.

Ad Loading...

A key concern of the original bill has been whether the measure would limit the ability of companies to compel binding arbitration for consumers using autonomous vehicles, reports Reuters. The new draft limits the use of those clauses in death or serious injury crashes, while the bill that passed the House did not include the limitation.

Under the newly revised legislation, manufacturers would be required to prove that self-driving vehicles can detect not just other cars, but also all roadway users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles.

The revised legislation also calls for additional reports of potential safety issues involving vehicles with semi-autonomous systems such as Tesla's Autopilot and GM's Super Cruise.

If the bill passes, it would relax a number of federal regulations pertaining to autonomous vehicles. For example, manufacturers would be able to gain exemptions from safety rules that require human control, reports Reuters.

Moreover, states could set rules on registration, licensing, liability, insurance and safety inspections, but not set performance standards.

Ad Loading...

While automakers have been pushing for the legislation for some time, getting approval in the final days before Congress adjourns is a long shot. Meanwhile, safety advocates have urged lawmakers in a letter not to rush the bill through on the grounds that the proposed legislations lacks fundamental safeguards, according to the report.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Small Fleet

SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →