Senators Release Bipartisan Principles for Self-Driving Vehicles Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) today released principles for bipartisan legislation on self-driving vehicles in advance of tomorrow's Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, "Paving the Way for Self-Driving Vehicles." The hearing will explore automated vehicle technology and hurdles for testing and deployment in the United States.

"Self-driving vehicles will not only dramatically change how we get from place to place, they have the potential to prevent accidents and save thousands of lives," said Peters, a member of the Commerce Committee. "I'm pleased we have compiled this bipartisan framework, which is an important step toward introducing and enacting meaningful legislation that will help the federal government promote the safe development and adoption of self-driving vehicles and ensure the United States remains the world leader in transportation innovation."

"Self-driving vehicle technology will have a transformational impact on highway safety," said Thune, who chairs the full committee. "Working on a bipartisan basis, we continue to make progress in writing what we expect will become the first ever changes in federal law helping usher in this new transportation era. These principles underscore our commitment to prioritizing safety, fixing outdated rules, and clarifying the role of federal and state governments."

"While these principles are just a start, it's my hope we'll find bipartisan consensus on legislation that prioritizes safety and advances the technology," said Nelson, the committee's ranking member.

Peters, Thune, and Nelson will continue efforts to finalize legislation. No date or deadline for introduction has been set.

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