NHTSA Presses AV Developers Over First-Responder Safety
NHTSA says driverless vehicles have entered emergency scenes and blocked responders. Developers face meetings and possible enforcement, but no new rule yet.
Autonomous Vehicles
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Federal regulators let Zoox charge for rides in robotaxis
A limited NHTSA exemption lets Amazon-owned Zoox charge for rides in purpose-built robotaxis without steering wheels or pedals, starting in Las Vegas.
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USDOT robotics competition sets Aug. 10 deadline for transportation-safety and infrastructure proposals
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened its first national robotics-in-transportation competition, with submissions due Aug. 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
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DOT sets Aug. 10 deadline for first national robotics-in-transportation competition
The Transportation Department’s inaugural competition seeks concepts involving autonomous vehicles, delivery drones, aviation and rail technologies, with Stage I finalists expected this fall.
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NHTSA proposes dropping brake-pedal rule for driverless vehicles
NHTSA proposes letting purpose-built driverless vehicles meet federal brake rules without pedals, but the plan is pending and does not authorize nationwide robotaxis.
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Zoox wins federal approval to charge for rides in robotaxis
NHTSA cleared Zoox to seek paid rides in steering-wheel-free robotaxis, but the temporary approval is capped and still requires state and local permissions.
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Washington DC robotaxi bill after July 13 hearing: 200-vehicle cap and VMT fee
Washington DC – After a July 13 hearing on the autonomous vehicle/robotaxi bill, DDOT and residents debated caps, a VMT fee, and workforce transition rules.