The discussion draft of the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 has now been formally introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 7390, the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026. The bill was introduced on February 5, by Rep. Robert E. Latta and has been referred to both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for review.
The bill would amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code to strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) authority over vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) and to ensure safety measures while supporting U.S. leadership in autonomous vehicle technology.
According to the text, the legislation is designed to:
- Improve road safety, accessibility, and mobility;
- Encourage testing and deployment of automated driving technologies;
- Create jobs in the automotive and autonomy sectors; and
- Provide clear federal rules relevant to ADS-equipped and ADS-dedicated vehicles.
H.R. 7390 builds on concepts from the earlier discussion draft by formally adding new regulatory requirements into federal statute, including:
- a new section to federal motor vehicle safety law specifically for ADS-equipped and ADS-dedicated vehicles, and definitions for terms such as “automated driving system,” “ADS-equipped vehicle,” and “ADS-dedicated vehicle;”
- directing NHTSA to establish updated or new motor vehicle safety requirements that apply to vehicles with automated driving systems, standards that are intended to govern design, construction, and performance for ADS technologies; and
- provisions on motor vehicle testing or evaluation, rules for making systems inoperative, and measures for protecting the security of connected vehicles, signaling a broader framework for regulated ADS deployment.
The introduced bill text similarly codifies safety standards and definitions relevant to ADS technologies, though the full detailed provisions (e.g., regulatory timelines, specific safety case content requirements, and enforcement mechanisms) remain under committee consideration as of the bill’s referral.
Following introduction, H.R. 7390 will proceed through committee review, where lawmakers on the Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs Committees may hold hearings, seek stakeholder input, and consider amendments before any potential floor action.
