NHTSA requires companies developing autonomous vehicles to address issues related to first responder interference by the end of July.

      TL;DR: The NHTSA has issued a directive requiring autonomous vehicle developers to address instances of interference with first responders by the end of July. The agency highlighted issues such as vehicles obstructing ambulances and failing to respond to emergency signals.

      On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called on developers of autonomous vehicles to propose solutions to a “clear pattern” of driverless cars disrupting first responders and law enforcement activities. Administrator Jonathan Morrison noted that some vehicles have entered active emergency scenes, hindered ambulances and firefighters, and failed to recognize emergency signals like flashing lights, flares, smoke, fire, and traffic cones.

      Morrison stated, “Let me be clear: the inability to detect and appropriately respond to such situations represents a functional insufficiency.” He emphasized that emergency scenes are not uncommon or extreme incidents. The agency has set a deadline for AV developers to submit their solutions by the end of July.

      While the letter does not mention specific companies, it suggests issues related to Waymo, which has the largest robotaxi fleet in the United States. A TechCrunch investigation uncovered at least six cases by March where first responders had to take control of Waymo vehicles during emergencies. In one incident, an officer responded to a mass shooting, and in another, an officer moved a Waymo vehicle to clear a path for responders heading to a natural gas explosion at an apartment complex. Additionally, during July 4 fireworks, Waymo’s robotaxis stalled and caught fire, underscoring the operational difficulties autonomous vehicles experience in unpredictable real-world scenarios.

      The letter does not outline consequences for companies that do not comply but suggests accountability by stating that human drivers who obstruct emergency operations may face fines and jail sentences. The NHTSA has also reported advancements in updating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including proposed rules that would remove requirements for windshield wipers, sun visors, defogging systems, and tire placards, which could benefit companies like Tesla and Zoox in creating vehicles without steering wheels or pedals. The Trump administration has already suggested relaxing the brake pedal requirement for autonomous vehicles, facilitating the development of purpose-built robotaxis.