A discussion draft of the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026, known as the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would update federal motor vehicle safety law to address vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS).
The bill would amend Title 49 of the United States Code and expand the authority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish safety requirements specific to highly automated vehicles. According to the discussion draft, the legislation is intended to support the testing and deployment of automated driving systems while improving roadway safety and maintaining U.S. leadership in vehicle technology.
The SELF DRIVE Act includes provisions directing NHTSA to develop or update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable to ADS-equipped and ADS-dedicated vehicles. The draft also establishes definitions related to automated driving systems and incorporates recognized automation levels into federal statute.
Under the proposal, manufacturers would be required to develop a documented safety case demonstrating that an automated driving system meets applicable safety performance criteria prior to introducing vehicles into interstate commerce. The legislation outlines requirements for the content and submission of these safety cases and directs NHTSA to establish related evaluation processes.
The discussion draft also addresses cybersecurity, requiring manufacturers to develop written cybersecurity plans that identify and mitigate risks to vehicle systems and ensure the protection of critical vehicle functions. Provisions related to testing, evaluation, and ongoing compliance are included, along with timelines for future rulemakings.
The SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 is currently a discussion draft and has not yet been formally introduced for markup or consideration by the full House. The draft is intended to solicit feedback from lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders as Congress considers updates to the federal framework governing automated vehicles.
