The R Street Institute has voiced support for the AMERICA DRIVES Act, a bill introduced in the House of Representatives that aims to address regulatory barriers facing autonomous commercial vehicles. The institute argues that current state-level regulations create inconsistencies that hinder the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered vehicle technology and impact safety on U.S. highways.
“Recent legislation introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) provides a potential path forward for federal AV policy. The Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety (AMERICA DRIVES) Act represents a critical step forward in modernizing America’s regulatory framework to accommodate commercial AVs,” R Street’s Mark Dalton and Adam Thierer write in an Aug. 18 analysis.
“This legislation addresses the current mismatch between the rapid pace of AV development and the outdated regulatory structures that hold back its potential,” the R Street authors say.
Rep. Vince Fong, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s highways subcommittee, highlighted backing from organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TechNet, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association when announcing his bill on July 24.
The proposed legislation would establish federal authority over state laws requiring human drivers for commercial vehicles equipped with Level 4 or 5 Automated Driving Systems (ADS). It seeks to update federal definitions to include ADS-equipped vehicles, align automation levels with standards set by SAE International, and permit interstate testing and operation of fully automated trucks without human or remote drivers present.
Additionally, the bill would codify a 2018 interpretation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stating that federal safety rules do not require a human driver. FMCSA would be directed to update its rules for ADS-equipped vehicles by 2027. Fully autonomous trucks would be exempt from requirements intended for human drivers—such as hours-of-service limits and drug testing—and new definitions for “remote driver” and “remote assistance” would match SAE International standards. The act also proposes allowing flashing cab-mounted warning beacons instead of warning triangles for disabled commercial vehicles, consistent with a previous FMCSA exemption request from 2023.
“By establishing a federal framework for autonomous trucks and empowering the Department of Transportation to set practical regulations, we can safely scale this emerging technology nationwide,” Fong said. “The AMERICA DRIVES Act provides a clear path for adoption across state lines, helping support supply chain efficiency, strengthen domestic commerce, and ensure the United States remains unbeatable in the global marketplace.”
Fong added: “It’s time to seize the opportunity to chart a safe, innovative path forward for American transportation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in this effort so we can deliver results for the future of freight…”
In its analysis, R Street points out that most roadway fatalities are due to human error behind the wheel. The institute calls for significant changes in auto safety policies and suggests that autonomous vehicles could play an important role in reducing deaths and injuries on U.S. roads.
According to R Street, one central element of Fong’s bill is allowing commercial vehicles with Level 4 or Level 5 automated driving systems to operate without human drivers onboard—a move they argue will eliminate conflicting state regulations currently impeding interstate commerce and innovation.
“By establishing a federal framework, the AMERICA DRIVES Act creates the regulatory certainty that will allow technology companies and logistics operators to scale autonomous commercial vehicle operations and drive further roadway safety progress,” R Street says. “This preemption is particularly important given the interstate nature of commercial trucking.”
Another aspect noted by R Street is that referencing SAE International J3016 standards allows regulation to keep pace with technological advances without frequent legislative changes.
The group adds: “By focusing on capability levels rather than specific technologies, the bill allows freedom for continued AV innovations while maintaining clear safety standards.”
