The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to fast-track the use of autonomous technology within the trucking industry with the recent introduction of the America Drives Act, a federal bill that would create a unified nationwide framework for autonomous trucking. The act, formally titled the Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act, was introduced by Rep. Vince Fong of California.
If enacted, the legislation would allow commercial trucks equipped with Level 4 or 5 automated driving systems to operate on interstate routes without a human driver on board or a remote driver overseeing operations. The move is intended not only to accelerate innovation but also to address a persistent driver shortage plaguing the nation’s supply chain.
“While Europe and China are rapidly integrating autonomous trucks into their supply chains, America is asleep at the wheel, hamstrung by a confusing patchwork of state regulations that threaten public safety, innovation, and economic growth,” said Rep. Fong.
The act directs the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to update federal regulations by 2027 to clearly define the legal status of autonomous trucks. It would exempt these vehicles from traditional human-specific requirements such as hours of service, drug testing, commercial driver’s licenses, and certain physical qualifications.
“The America Drives Act provides a clear path for adoption across state lines, helping support supply chain efficiency, strengthen domestic commerce and ensure the United States remains unbeatable in the global marketplace,” Fong said.
The proposed law would also prohibit federal regulations that single out autonomous trucks or make it harder for companies to deploy them, while clarifying definitions for new roles such as remote driver and remote assistant. It goes further by permitting cab-mounted flashing warning beacons for disabled autonomous vehicles, a safety feature previously denied under existing federal rules.
Supporters of the America Drives Act include major technology firms and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, which argue that a federal approach is key to unlocking the economic and safety benefits of driverless trucking.
“Autonomous vehicles will support America’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers by significantly improving our supply chain,” said Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. “Congressman Fong’s bill is exactly the bold action needed to cement U.S. leadership in this transformative field. By embracing the benefits of autonomous trucking, this bill would strengthen American supply chains, enhance road safety, and keep the U.S. at the forefront of global transportation innovation.”
