What does USDOT’s Automated Vehicles 3.0 mean for trucking?
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released the third version of its automated vehicles guidelines. Whereas the first two versions omitted commercial vehicles, the latest guideline includes large trucks and addresses the implications on the workforce.
Perhaps the most significant change in the commercial motor vehicle industries is the following statement within the Automated Vehicles 3.0 document:
“In general, subject to the development and deployment of safe (automated) technologies, the Department’s policy is that going forward FMCSA regulations will no longer assume that the CMV driver is always a human or that a human is necessarily present onboard a commercial vehicle during its operation.”
Another key issue for trucking stakeholders is job displacement. During a news conference, DOT Secretary Elaine Chao announced that the USDOT will be launching a joint initiative to evaluate workforce implications of AV technology.
As addressed earlier this year through public comments, FMCSA will be tasked to review any form of regulatory barriers posed by existing regulations, including emissions standards, human-related requirements (drug testing, hours of service, CDLs, physical qualifications, etc.) and exemptions.
FMCSA will maintain safety authority over commercial motor vehicle operations, drivers and maintenance as it applies to automated technology. Although AV 3.0 does not instruct FMCSA how to regulate AV technology, it does suggest to “avoid unnecessary barriers to the development of” automated technology in commercial vehicles.
In the case a state or local law interferes with the application of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations related to automated technology, the USDOT has preemptive authority. This includes minimum qualifications and limitations on CDLs.
The USDOT also suggests that state enforcement agencies should refrain from selecting CMVs equipped with automated driving systems solely because the vehicle is equipped with advanced technology. States are encouraged to partner with FMCSA to develop appropriate roadside inspection procedures and inspection criteria for use in examining ADS-equipped CMVs.
The USDOT is accepting comments for AV 3.0 within
60 days of Oct. 9 and comments regarding the scope of study on the impact of AV technology on the workforce through Nov. 5. LL