AMERICA DRIVES Act

The AMERICA DRIVES Act would establish a federal framework to permit Level 4 and Level 5 automated driving system (ADS) operations in interstate trucking without a human on board or with a remote human driver, and it would preempt conflicting state rules that mandate a human occupant in ADS-equipped commercial vehicles. It defines ADS and related terms, directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue implementing regulations, codifies a process to reduce regulatory obstacles for ADS-equipped trucks (including hours of service, licensing, and testing requirements), and provides for regulatory parity and flexibility. The bill also updates certain regulatory interpretations (such as cab-mounted warning beacons) and clarifies that ADS technology may be used without requiring installation in every vehicle. In short, the bill aims to accelerate deployment of autonomous trucks by removing state-imposed human-occupant requirements, clarifying federal definitions and responsibilities, and streamlining the regulatory path for ADS-enabled commercial vehicles, while preserving a role for DOT to regulate safety and operational standards.