Skip to content

Brought to you by

Dentons logo

Driverless Commute

A digest clocking the most important technical, legal and regulatory developments shaping the path to full autonomy

open menu close menu

Driverless Commute

  • Home
  • About Us
  • News on AVs
  • Global AV Index
  • Global Guide to AVs 2023
    • Executive summary
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • China
    • Germany
    • Hungary
    • Italy
    • Poland
    • South Korea
    • Turkey
    • United Kingdom
    • United States

Trump Administration’s New Automated Vehicle Framework: What It Means for the Future of Transportation

By Eric Tanenblatt, Peter Stockburger, and Walker Boothe
April 29, 2025
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Driverless Commute
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email Share on LinkedIn

In a significant announcement that could reshape the future of American transportation, US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled the Trump Administration’s new Automated Vehicle (AV) framework this week. Touted as a milestone toward a safer and more innovative transportation system, the framework is designed to remove regulatory barriers, encourage private sector innovation, and ensure America’s leadership in the global race for autonomous mobility.

A New Vision for Automated Vehicles

At a press conference at the US Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters, Secretary Duffy introduced the Automated Vehicle Policy 5.0, an update to previous federal guidance documents on AV technology. The framework emphasizes flexibility, innovation, and safety—three pillars that the Trump Administration believes are essential to unlocking AV’s promise.

Key highlights from the framework include:

  • Voluntary Safety Self-Assessments (VSSA): Instead of mandatory federal regulations that could stifle innovation, companies are encouraged to submit voluntary safety reports outlining how their AV systems meet essential safety metrics.
  • State and Local Coordination: The framework defines more precise boundaries between federal, state, and local authorities. The federal government will focus on vehicle performance and design, while states will manage licensing, insurance, and traffic laws.
  • International Leadership: The DOT emphasized that a flexible approach would help US companies compete globally, particularly against nations like China, where AV development is rapidly advancing.
  • Public Education: Recognizing the public’s skepticism about driverless technology, Secretary Duffy announced new initiatives to build trust through education and transparent communication.

“Government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers,” Duffy said during the unveiling. “Our job is to create an environment where innovation can flourish, and safety remains a top priority.”

Highlights from the Public Announcement

Throughout the presentation, Duffy emphasized that while AVs could dramatically reduce roadway fatalities—94% of which are currently caused by human error—there are still significant challenges ahead.

He underscored that the framework is not a “one-size-fits-all” policy. Instead, it provides a roadmap that adapts as technology evolves, avoiding heavy-handed rules that could quickly become outdated.

The presentation also featured demonstrations of cutting-edge AV technologies from American companies, showcasing real-world examples of how automated systems can handle complex driving environments, from congested urban intersections to rural roadways.

A Balanced Approach to Innovation and Safety

One of the most striking aspects of the new AV framework is its emphasis on balance. Rather than rushing to overregulate a rapidly changing industry, the Trump Administration’s approach leans toward the idea that private sector innovation should lead the way, with government playing a supportive but critical oversight role.

The policy also recognizes that automated vehicles could help address broader societal issues, such as:

  • Reducing traffic fatalities caused by human error
  • Expanding mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved communities
  • Increasing transportation efficiency to help reduce emissions and congestion

However, Secretary Duffy acknowledged that ongoing collaboration with industry leaders, local governments, and the American public will be essential to ensure a smooth and responsible rollout.

Implications for the Future

The introduction of this AV framework signifies a commitment to maintaining the United States’ leadership in automotive technology. By fostering a regulatory environment that balances safety with innovation, the framework aims to accelerate the development and deployment of AVs, ultimately enhancing mobility and safety for all Americans. While this development moves us closer toward a more structured framework, there is still much work left to go. It is unclear how quickly the Administration will move with this initiative.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email Share on LinkedIn
Subscribe and stay updated
Receive our latest blog posts by email.
Stay in Touch
Autonomous Vehicles, Trump, United States
Eric Tanenblatt

About Eric Tanenblatt

Eric Tanenblatt is the Global Chair of Public Policy and Regulation of Dentons, the world's largest law firm. He also leads the firm's US Public Policy Practice, leveraging his three decades of experience at the very highest levels of the federal and state governments.

All posts Full bio

Peter Stockburger

About Peter Stockburger

Peter Stockburger is the office managing partner for the Firm’s San Diego office, a member of the Firm’s Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies group, and co-lead of the Firm’s Autonomous Vehicle practice. With a focus on data privacy and security, Peter works with clients of all sizes and maturity to build and shore up their privacy and security programs, deploy technology, enhance compliance and stakeholder confidence, take new products to market, work through data governance and retention challenges, navigate workplace disputes, and harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

All posts Full bio

Walker Boothe

About Walker Boothe

Walker Boothe is an associate managing director in Dentons’ Public Policy and Regulation practice.

All posts Full bio

RELATED POSTS

  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Driverless Commute

Autonomous Vehicles Start Act Legislative Update

By Eric Tanenblatt and James Richardson
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Driverless Commute

The Driverless Commute: Groups ask NHTSA to pump brakes on GM AV petition; USPS goes driverless; the last-ten-feet problem; and Cruise can make left turns in San Fran better than you

By Eric Tanenblatt and James Richardson
  • Announcements
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Driverless Commute
  • General

The Department of Commerce Proposes Rule to Safeguard US Connected Vehicle Market from Foreign Threats

By Eric Tanenblatt, Peter Stockburger, and Walker Boothe

About Dentons

Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com

Grow, Protect, Operate, Finance. Dentons, the law firm of the future is here. Copyright 2023 Dentons. Dentons is a global legal practice providing client services worldwide through its member firms and affiliates. Please see dentons.com for Legal notices.

Categories

  • Announcements
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Driverless Commute
  • General
  • Global Autonomous Vehicles Survey
  • UAVs
Dentons logo in black and white

© 2025 Dentons

  • Legal notices
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of use
  • Cookies on this site