U.S. Proposes Eliminating Mandatory Brake Pedal Requirement for Driverless Vehicles

[Policy Adjustment] The U.S. plans to eliminate the strict requirement that fully autonomous vehicles must be equipped with a brake pedal.

Key Development: NHTSA Advances Fifth Update to FMVSS for Autonomous Driving Standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intends to revise the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to completely remove the mandate for brake pedals on vehicles that do not require human operation. This move aims to accommodate fully autonomous driving scenarios and pave the way for the commercialization of autonomous ride-hailing services.

Strategic Rationale: Removing Regulatory Barriers to Accelerate L5 Deployment

Previously, NHTSA has already granted similar exemptions for standards concerning gear shifting, defrosting systems, and tire labeling. By now focusing on braking systems, this shift signals a regulatory transition from a "human-machine co-driving" framework to one centered on "fully machine-driven" operation, highlighting the critical policy window targeted for June 2026.