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DOT Ruling Due “Soon” on GM Autonomy Bid
General Motors Co. can expect a regulatory decision “soon” on its request to waive U.S. safety rules that require self-driving vehicles to have a steering wheel and foot pedals.
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General Motors Co. can expect a regulatory decision “soon” on its request to waive U.S. safety rules that require self-driving vehicles to have a steering wheel and brake and accelerator pedals, Automotive News reports.
GM needs the exemption to test fully automated vehicles on public roads. A waiver also would be necessary to enable the company’s Cruise Automation unit to launch a commercial taxi service in 2020 that features driverless vehicles.
GM asked for DOT’s permission nearly 18 months ago. A ruling is coming “soon,” says Finch Fulton, a deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. He adds that DOT has revised it procedures to help it make such decisions more promptly.
AN notes that DOT’s new policy may speed a decision on a similar request by delivery startup Nuro Inc. The Silicon Valley-based company hopes to introduce food and goods services that use small vehicles not designed to carry humans.
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