AV START Act

To support the development of highly automated vehicle safety technologies, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act AV START Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Relationship to other laws. Sec. 4. Expedited resolution of highly automated vehicles conflicts with standards. Sec. 5. Highly automated vehicles testing. Sec. 6. Highly automated vehicles exemptions. Sec. 7. Inoperative controls. Sec. 8. Levels of driving automation. Sec. 9. Safety evaluation report. Sec. 10. Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Safety Committee. Sec. 11. Highly automated vehicles rulemaking. Sec. 12. Consumer education. Sec. 13. Traffic safety and law enforcement. Sec. 14. Cybersecurity. Sec. 15. Savings provision. 2. Definitions (a) In general In this Act: (1) Automated driving system; dedicated highly automated vehicle; highly automated vehicle; manufacturer; motor vehicle; motor vehicle equipment The terms automated driving system dedicated highly automated vehicle highly automated vehicle manufacturer motor vehicle motor vehicle equipment (2) NHTSA The term NHTSA (3) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Motor vehicle safety chapter Section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as paragraphs (8) through (16) respectively; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following: (1) Automated driving system In describing a Level 3, 4, or 5 automated driving system (as defined by SAE International standard J3016, published on September 30, 2016, or subsequently adopted by the Secretary), the term automated driving system ; (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the following: (4) Dedicated highly automated vehicle The term dedicated highly automated vehicle ; and (6) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated, the following: (7) Highly automated vehicle The term highly automated vehicle . 3. Relationship to other laws (a) In general Section 30103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b), to read as follows: (b) Preemption (1) Highly automated vehicles No State or political subdivision of a State may maintain, enforce, prescribe, or continue in effect any law or regulation regarding the design, construction, or performance of highly automated vehicles, automated driving systems, or components of automated driving systems unless such law or regulation is identical to a standard prescribed under this chapter. (2) Motor vehicle standard When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, a State or political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter. (3) Rules of construction (A) In general Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit a State or a political subdivision of a State from maintaining, enforcing, prescribing, or continuing in effect any law or regulation regarding registration, licensing, driving education and training, insurance, law enforcement, crash investigations, safety and emissions inspections, congestion management of vehicles on the street within a State or political subdivision of a State, or traffic unless the law or regulation is an unreasonable restriction on the design, construction, or performance of highly automated vehicles, automated driving systems, or components of automated driving systems. (B) Motor vehicle dealers Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit a State or political subdivision of a State from maintaining, enforcing, prescribing, or continuing in effect any law or regulation regarding the sale, distribution, repair, or service of highly automated vehicles, automated driving systems, or components of automated driving systems by a dealer, manufacturer, or distributor. (C) Conformity with Federal law Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preempt, restrict, or limit a State or political subdivision of a State from acting in accordance with any other Federal law. (4) Higher performance requirement However, the United States Government, a State, or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe a standard for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle equipment, highly automated vehicle, or automated driving system obtained for its own use that imposes a higher performance requirement than that required by the otherwise applicable standard under this chapter. (5) State enforcement A State may enforce a standard that is identical to a standard prescribed under this chapter. ; and (2) in subsection (e), to read as follows: (e) Common law liability (1) In general Compliance with a motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter does not exempt a person from liability at common law. (2) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt common law claims. . (b) Licensing Notwithstanding section 30103 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), a State may not issue a motor vehicle operator’s license for the operation or use of a dedicated highly automated vehicle in a manner that discriminates on the basis of disability (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12102 4. Expedited resolution of highly automated vehicles conflicts with standards (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Director The term Director (2) Dynamic driving task The term dynamic driving task (3) Safety standard The term safety standard chapter 301 (b) References to human drivers Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director or other designated entity, after consultation with stakeholders, shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that identifies each provision, requirement, specification, or procedure in a safety standard with a reference to features of the equipment that— (1) are necessary only for the performance of the dynamic driving task by a human driver; (2) specify a location or reference point within a vehicle by reference to the position of a human driver; or (3) serve a purpose of providing information to, or receiving input from, a human driver engaged in performing the dynamic driving task. (c) Substitution of conforming references to automated systems (1) In general In each provision of the report prepared under subsection (b) identifying the text of a regulation from a safety standard, a test procedure, or a method for determining compliance with a safety standard, the Director or designated entity shall include— (A) an alternative reference to an automated system that is suitable for assessing, through an objective test procedure, the compliance of a dedicated highly automated vehicle, or of a highly automated vehicle operating in automated mode, with the safety standard; or (B) a determination that— (i) the relevant regulatory text applies to features of the motor vehicle equipment that are only necessary for the performance of a dynamic driving task by a human driver; and (ii) no alternative reference to an automated system is practicable. (2) Conditions In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director or designated entity— (A) shall ensure that all requirements remain objective and practicable; (B) may not modify the purpose of any safety standard; and (C) may specify different references for— (i) dedicated highly automated vehicles that are intended for human occupancy; and (ii) dedicated highly automated vehicles that are not designed, intended, or marketed for human occupancy. (d) Rulemaking (1) Commencement Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Director or designated entity submits the report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall commence a rulemaking proceeding to incorporate the report by reference into the relevant safety standards, except as provided in paragraph (3). (2) Final rule Not later than 1 year after the Director or other entity submits the report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall issue a final rule to incorporate the report by reference into the relevant safety standards, except as provided in paragraph (3). (3) Alternative text If the Secretary determines that one or more of the revisions to a regulation contained in the report submitted under subsection (b) is not objective, is not practicable, or does not meet the need for motor vehicle safety, the Secretary shall incorporate alternative regulatory text. (4) Incorporation by reference If the Secretary does not complete the rulemaking proceeding under this subsection within 1 year after the submission of the report under subsection (b), the revisions to regulations contained in such report shall be incorporated by reference into the relevant safety standards. (e) Savings provision Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the Secretary from maintaining different test procedures for highly automated vehicles that retain the capability to be operated by a human driver when such vehicles are not operating in an automated mode. 5. Highly automated vehicles testing Section 30112(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (9), by striking or (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (except for a highly automated vehicle) the introduction of a motor vehicle (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following: (11) the introduction of a motor vehicle into interstate commerce solely for the purposes of testing, evaluation, or demonstration of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system if— (A) the testing, evaluation, or demonstration of the vehicle is only conducted by employees, agents, or fleet management contractors of the manufacturer of the highly automated vehicle, the automated driving system, or any component thereof; (B) such manufacturer agrees not to sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease, the vehicle or system at the conclusion of the testing, evaluation, or demonstration; and (C) such manufacturer has submitted appropriate manufacturer identification information that is similar to information submitted by manufacturers subject to a Federal motor vehicle safety standard under part 566 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, before the commencement of such testing or evaluation. . 6. Highly automated vehicles exemptions (a) In general Section 30113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking this section, (1) the term ; (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (2) the term new motor vehicle safety feature ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) The Secretary may begin a proceeding under this subsection when a manufacturer applies for an exemption or a renewal of an exemption. The Secretary shall publish notice of the application and provide an opportunity to comment. An application for an exemption or for a renewal of an exemption shall be filed at a time and in the way, and contain such information, this section and the Secretary require. The Secretary shall grant or deny an exemption for a highly automated vehicle not later than 180 days after receiving an application for such exemption from a manufacturer. ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(B)(iv), by inserting or introducing or delivering into interstate commerce selling (3) in subsection (d)— (A) by inserting (1) Eligibility (B) by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: (2) A manufacturer is eligible for an exemption under clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection (b)(3)(B) only if the Secretary determines that— (A) the exemption is for not more than 2,500 vehicles to be sold in the United States in any 12-month period; or (B) the vehicle is a highly automated vehicle; and (i) during the 12-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of the AV START Act (ii) during the 12-month period immediately following the period described in clause (i), the exemption is for not more than 75,000 vehicles to be sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the United States; and (iii) during any 12-month period following the period described in clause (ii), the exemption is for not more than 100,000 vehicles to be sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the United States. (C) A manufacturer of a highly automated vehicle may petition the Secretary to expand the exemption under paragraph (2)(B) to more than 100,000 vehicles in any 12-month period after the exemption has been in place for 5 years. ; and (4) in subsection (e), by inserting , unless the vehicle is a highly automated vehicle (b) Sunset A manufacturer’s eligibility for an exemption from a provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph in a motor vehicle safety standard under section 30113(d)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall end on the date on which a standard (except for a standard promulgated under section 4 of this Act) that amends the provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph from which an exemption is sought takes effect, with due consideration for any lead time specified for compliance. 7. Inoperative controls Section 30122(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting (1) A manufacturer (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to a manufacturer that intentionally allows a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or item of equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard to be temporarily disabled during the time that an automated driving system is performing the entire dynamic driving task. . 8. Levels of driving automation (a) Use of SAE International’s taxonomy and definitions The Secretary shall use the taxonomy and definitions for automated driving systems set forth in SAE International standard J3016, published on September 30, 2016, for the various levels of automation for motor vehicles. (b) Review (1) In general The Secretary— (A) shall review the taxonomy and definitions for automated driving systems set forth by SAE International to ensure that such taxonomy and definitions are clear and objective; and (B) may provide feedback to SAE International for potential updates. (2) Use of revised standard (A) Determination Not later than 120 days after SAE International revises the standard referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary, after publishing notice of the revision in the Federal Register, shall determine whether to adopt the revised standard to identify the various levels of automation for motor vehicles. (B) Effect of decision not to adopt the revised standard If the Secretary decides not to adopt the revised standard— (i) the Secretary shall notify SAE International of the Secretary's decision; and (ii) the definitions referred to in subsection (a) shall remain in effect. 9. Safety evaluation report (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 301 30107. Highly automated vehicles safety evaluation report (a) In general (1) Requirement Each manufacturer introducing a new highly automated vehicle or automated driving system into interstate commerce shall provide a safety evaluation report, in accordance with this section, that describes how the manufacturer is addressing the safety of such vehicle or system. (2) Submission Each manufacturer described in paragraph (1) shall— (A) submit a report to the Secretary— (i) upon testing a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system; and (ii) not later than 90 days before selling, offering for sale, or otherwise commercializing a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system; and (B) annually submit, until the vehicle or system is no longer being sold, offered for sale, or otherwise introduced into interstate commerce by the manufacturer or until the system is no longer being incorporated into new motor vehicles by the manufacturer, an updated report to the Secretary that— (i) may disclose that no significant changes were made to the vehicle or system; and (ii) shall provide aggregate results of any significant safety deviation from expected performance disclosed in the previous report. (3) Review The Secretary— (A) shall review each report submitted under paragraph (2); and (B) may require that the manufacturer submit additional or clarifying information. (4) Limitation The Secretary may not condition the manufacture, testing, sale, offer for sale, or introduction into interstate commerce of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system based on a review of a safety evaluation report or additional information submitted under this section. (b) Safety evaluation report subject areas Each report submitted by a manufacturer under subsection (a) shall describe how the manufacturer is addressing, through a documented assessment, testing, and validation process, each of the subject areas described in paragraphs (1) through (9). (1) System safety The avoidance of unreasonable risks to safety, including— (A) assurance that systems, including hardware and software, perform intended functions; (B) the mitigation of unreasonable risks to safety caused by a malfunction of the automated driving system; and (C) sense of objects, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and animals in or crossing the path of travel through the automated driving system. (2) Data recording The collection by the vehicle of automated driving system performance information and incident and crash data— (A) to record the occurrence of malfunctions, disengagements, degradations, or failures; (B) to aid in the analysis of the cause of any issues described in subparagraph (A); (C) to enable efforts to work with other entities to address data recording and sharing; and (D) with respect to event data recorder information, that complies with the collection and sharing requirements under the FAST Act ( Public Law 114–94 (3) Cybersecurity The minimization of cybersecurity risks to safety and the exchange of information about any vulnerabilities discovered from field incidents, internal testing, or external security research. (4) Human-machine interface (A) The methods of informing the human driver or operator about whether the automated driving system is functioning properly. (B) For a Level 3 vehicle, the methods to address driver reengagement. (C) The use of a human-machine interface by people with disabilities through visual, auditory, or haptic displays, or other methods. (5) Crashworthiness Practicable protection for all occupants given any planned seating positions or interior configurations. (6) Capabilities The capabilities and limitations of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system. (7) Post-crash behavior The post-crash behavior of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system if sensors or critical systems are damaged in a crash. (8) Account for applicable laws The account of applicable traffic laws and rules of the road, based on operational design domain, in the development of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system. (9) Automation function (A) The expected operational design domain in which the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system is designed to operate, including any roadway and infrastructure assets required for the operation of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system, such as roadside equipment, pavement markings, signage, and traffic signals, and how it will respond if that operational design domain unexpectedly changes. (B) The automated driving system’s expected object and event detection and response capabilities, including behavioral competencies and crash avoidance capability. (C) The ability of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system to transition to a minimal risk condition when a malfunction is encountered. (D) The performance of the vehicle through the manufacturer’s development and implementation of tests, including simulation, test track, and on-road testing. (c) Certification of inapplicable categories A manufacturer that is solely testing a vehicle or system may certify that one or more of the categories set forth in subsection (b) do not apply. (d) Publicly available The Secretary shall make any report submitted by a manufacturer under this section publicly available as soon as practicable, except the Secretary may not make publicly available any information relating to a trade secret or confidential business information, or which is privileged. The manufacturer may submit information related to a trade secret or confidential business information separately from the report. (e) Official signature Each report submitted by an entity under this section shall be reviewed by a senior official of the entity who— (1) is knowledgeable about the information contained in the report; and (2) shall certify that, based on the official’s knowledge, the report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. (f) Termination of obligation To disclose information (1) In general A manufacturer’s obligation to provide information on a specific category under subsection (b) shall end on the effective date of a motor vehicle safety standard applicable to the same aspect of vehicle or system performance as is covered by the category, with due consideration for any lead time specified for compliance. (2) Effect of new standard In adopting any standard applicable to highly automated vehicle performance, the Secretary shall— (A) identify the category under subsection (b) to which the standard relates, if any; and (B) specify what information is no longer required to be included in the report as a result of the new standard. (g) Rule of construction (1) Submissions A manufacturer may submit a safety evaluation report for vehicles introduced into interstate commerce before the date of the enactment of the AV START Act (2) Savings provisions Nothing in this section may be construed to amend, limit the authority, or prohibit the use of the information included in the report under chapter 301 . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 301 section 30106 30107. Highly automated vehicles safety evaluation report. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 10. Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee (referred to in this section as the Committee (b) Membership (1) Voting members The Secretary— (A) shall appoint 15 voting members to the Committee who— (i) are specially qualified to serve on the Committee because of their technical knowledge of automated driving systems, vehicle-to-vehicle infrastructure systems, or the impact of such systems on Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (ii) shall include representatives of SAE International, automated vehicle proving grounds designated by the Department of Transportation, highly automated vehicle and automated driving system manufacturers, safety organizations, State and local government agencies, and other organizations directly or indirectly impacted by NHTSA regulations; and (B) may appoint new members to the Committee at any time. (2) Compensation Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation. (3) Chairperson The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall act as Chairperson of the Committee, but will not have voting rights, except to break a tie. (c) Duties (1) Recommendations The Committee shall provide consensus-based recommendations to the Secretary on rulemaking, policy, and guidance regarding highly automated vehicle safety, including— (A) the identification and creation of performance standards; and (B) the harmonization of national highly automated vehicle safety standards with international standards. (2) Scope The Committee shall study issues relating to highly automated vehicles, including— (A) system safety; (B) automated steering and braking; (C) crashworthiness for vehicles with unconventional seating positions or vehicles not intended for human occupancy; (D) event data recording and data access and sharing; (E) accessibility for people with physical, sensory, or other disabilities, including for those who rely on mobility devices; (F) potential conflicts with existing Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (G) any other issue the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Support The NHTSA Office of Rulemaking and the NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Research shall provide support services to the Committee. (4) Meetings The Committee shall meet not less frequently than 4 times per year. Committee meetings shall be open to the public, except in circumstances in which a meeting is likely to discuss— (A) internal personnel rules and practices of the NHTSA; (B) matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute; (C) trade secrets or confidential or privileged business information; (D) matters involving criminal accusation or official censure; (E) information of a personal nature that, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; or (F) investigatory records that might interfere with enforcement proceedings. (5) Working groups (A) In general The Committee may establish temporary working groups, as necessary, to address specific issues. Each working group shall include at least 1 member who represents a manufacturer of highly automated vehicles or automated driving systems and other individuals who are subject matter experts on the issue before the working group. (B) Disability access The Committee shall establish a working group to develop voluntary best practices regarding highly automated vehicle accessibility for people with physical, sensory, or other disabilities, including for those who rely on mobility devices. Such best practices shall address the physical accessibility of highly automated vehicles and human-machine interface accessibility through visual, auditory, or haptic displays or other methods. The working group shall include representatives from national organizations representing individuals with disabilities. (d) Recommendations for highly automated vehicles (1) In general On a periodic basis, the Committee shall release recommendations on voluntary standards regarding highly automated vehicle safety. (2) Work plan Not later than 180 days after the Committee is established under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit a work plan to the Secretary for carrying out this section. (3) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit a report containing recommendations of consensus-based, feasible, and objective standards to the Secretary for potential rulemaking governing highly automated vehicles that meet the need for motor vehicle safety. (e) Consultation and publication of reports (1) In general The Secretary shall consult with the Committee, as appropriate, on highly automated vehicle safety matters, including the development and implementation of relevant policies, programs, and rulemaking. (2) Recommended agenda The Secretary shall regularly provide recommendations to the Committee regarding the agenda of the Committee and areas in which Committee activity would benefit and complement Department of Transportation efforts. (3) Reports The Secretary shall make any report or recommendation developed under this section publicly available. (f) FACA The Committee shall not be subject to the requirements under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (g) Termination The Committee shall terminate upon the submission of the final report required under subsection (d)(3) unless the Secretary determines that the Committee should continue. 11. Highly automated vehicles rulemaking (a) In general The Secretary shall review and seek public comment on the recommendations for standards made by the Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee under section 10(d)(3). (b) Determination Not later than 1 year after the receipt of the recommendations referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) make a determination whether to approve one or more of the recommendations, based on an identified need for motor vehicle safety; and (2) begin a rulemaking proceeding on the recommendations approved pursuant to paragraph (1) on the safety of highly automated vehicles. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict the authority of the Secretary under section 30111 of title 49, United States Code. Any Federal motor vehicle safety standard adopted pursuant to this section shall meet the requirements under such section 30111. 12. Consumer education (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a working group on responsible education efforts for advanced driver assist systems and automated driving systems. (b) Duties The working group established under subsection (a) shall— (1) identify recommended education and responsible marketing strategies that may be voluntarily employed by industry to inform consumers, vehicle owners and operators, and other stakeholders about advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems as they become available or are soon to be introduced into interstate commerce; and (2) submit a report containing the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress and making such report available to the public. (c) Considerations The working group shall consider topics pertaining to— (1) intent, capabilities, and limitations of advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems; (2) engagement and disengagement methods, including methods to address driver engagement in lower levels of automation; (3) human-machine interfaces; (4) emergency fallback scenarios; (5) operational boundary responsibilities; (6) response in the event of a crash or system failure; (7) potential mechanisms that could change function behavior in service; and (8) consistent nomenclature and taxonomy for safety features and systems. (d) Membership (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint, as members of the working group, individuals with expertise in automated driving systems and driver assistance systems, including— (A) representatives of— (i) motor vehicle manufacturers; (ii) manufacturers of automated driving systems and driver assistance systems (including components); (iii) motor vehicle dealers; (iv) motor vehicle owners and operators, including fleet managers, vehicle rental companies, and transportation network companies; (v) consumers or consumer advocacy groups; (vi) automated vehicle proving grounds designated by the Department of Transportation; (vii) public health organizations; (viii) marketing professionals; (ix) entities with national experience in consumer education; and (x) enabling technology companies; and (B) any other members the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Compensation Members of the working group shall serve without compensation. (3) Consultation The Secretary shall consult with the Federal Trade Commission about the recommendations of the working group, as appropriate. (e) Termination The working group established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 13. Traffic safety and law enforcement (a) Research The Secretary, in coordination with State and local transportation and highway safety entities, State and local law enforcement entities, and other relevant parties, shall research the traffic safety implications of highly automated vehicles, including— (1) the intersection of conventional and highly automated vehicles; and (2) law enforcement impacts, including— (A) enforcing applicable laws; (B) identifying whether a vehicle was in automated mode at the time of a crash; (C) lawfully accessing event data information; and (D) determining how a highly automated vehicle should respond to law enforcement. (b) Coordination of safety The Secretary, in coordination with State, local, and law enforcement agencies, may develop a process for State and local entities to provide information, on a voluntary basis, to the Secretary to assist the Department of Transportation in identifying defects related to motor vehicle safety of highly automated vehicles. (c) Crash data Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the crash investigation data collection system to include the collection of crash report data elements that distinguish whether the vehicle involved in a crash is a highly automated vehicle, including the level of automation and whether the vehicle was in automated mode at the time of a crash. 14. Cybersecurity (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 301 30108. Cybersecurity risks to the safety of highly automated vehicles (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Cybersecurity incident The term cybersecurity incident incident 6 U.S.C. 148(a) (2) Cybersecurity risk The term cybersecurity risk 6 U.S.C. 148(a) (3) Cybersecurity vulnerability The term cybersecurity vulnerability security vulnerability 6 U.S.C. 1501 (b) Cybersecurity plan (1) In general Each manufacturer of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system shall develop, maintain, and execute a written plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks to the motor vehicle safety of such vehicles and systems. (2) Requirements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include a process for— (A) the risk-based prioritized identification and protection of safety-critical vehicle control systems and the broader transportation ecosystem, as applicable; (B) the efficient detection and response to potential vehicle cybersecurity incidents in the field; (C) facilitating expeditious recovery from incidents as they occur; (D) the institutionalization of methods for the accelerated adoption of lessons learned across industry through voluntary exchange of information pertaining to cybersecurity incidents, threats, and vulnerabilities, including the consideration of a coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure policy or other related practices for collaboration with third-party cybersecurity researchers; (E) the identification of the point of contact of the manufacturer with responsibility for the management of cybersecurity; (F) the use of segmentation and isolation techniques in vehicle architecture design, as appropriate; and (G) supporting voluntary efforts by industry and standards-setting organizations to develop and identify consistent standards and guidelines relating to vehicle cybersecurity, consistent, and to the extent appropriate, with the cybersecurity risk management activities described in section 2(e) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act ( 15 U.S.C. 272(e) (3) Inspection The Secretary may inspect any cybersecurity plan developed by a manufacturer under this subsection to enable the Secretary to decide whether the manufacturer has complied, or is complying, with this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued pursuant to this chapter. (4) Protections for disclosure The Secretary may, by notice and comment rulemaking, establish a requirement that manufacturers subject to subsection (b) develop a summary of its plan that is suitable for public disclosure, as appropriate. (c) Coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure The Secretary may work cooperatively with manufacturers of highly automated vehicles and automated driving systems to incentivize manufacturers to voluntarily adopt a coordinated vulnerability disclosure policy and practice in which a security researcher privately discloses information related to a discovered vulnerability to a manufacturer and allows the manufacturer time to confirm and remediate the vulnerability— (1) so that manufacturers build relationships with security researchers to mitigate cybersecurity risks; and (2) to discover and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in highly automated vehicles or automated driving systems that present a risk to motor vehicle safety (as defined in section 30102 of title 49, United States Code). (d) Coordination All Federal agencies undertaking research on cybersecurity risks associated with highly automated vehicles shall coordinate with the Secretary on their findings. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 301 section 30107, 30108. Cybersecurity risks to the safety of highly automated vehicles. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. 15. Savings provision Nothing in this Act may be construed to alter any existing authority under subtitle VI of title 49, United States Code, relating to motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act AV START Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Relationship to other laws. Sec. 4. Expedited resolution of highly automated vehicles conflicts with standards. Sec. 5. Highly automated vehicles testing. Sec. 6. Highly automated vehicles exemptions. Sec. 7. Inoperative controls. Sec. 8. Levels of driving automation. Sec. 9. Safety evaluation report. Sec. 10. Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee. Sec. 11. Highly automated vehicles rulemaking. Sec. 12. Consumer education. Sec. 13. Traffic safety and law enforcement. Sec. 14. Cybersecurity. Sec. 15. HAV Data Access Advisory Committee. Sec. 16. Cybersecurity consumer education information. Sec. 17. Provision of cybersecurity resource information. Sec. 18. Highly automated vehicle study. Sec. 19. Study on encouraging manufacturing in the United States of automated driving equipment and intelligent transportation solutions. Sec. 20. Privacy protections for users of motor vehicles. Sec. 21. Child safety. Sec. 22. 2. Definitions (a) In general In this Act: (1) Automated driving system; dedicated highly automated vehicle; highly automated vehicle; manufacturer; motor vehicle; motor vehicle equipment The terms automated driving system dedicated highly automated vehicle highly automated vehicle manufacturer motor vehicle motor vehicle equipment (2) NHTSA The term NHTSA (3) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Motor vehicle safety chapter Section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as paragraphs (8) through (16) respectively; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following: (1) Automated driving system In describing a Level 3, 4, or 5 automated driving system (as defined by SAE International standard J3016, published on September 30, 2016, or subsequently adopted by the Secretary), the term automated driving system ; (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the following: (4) Dedicated highly automated vehicle The term dedicated highly automated vehicle ; and (6) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated, the following: (7) Highly automated vehicle The term highly automated vehicle . 3. Relationship to other laws (a) Vehicle preemption Section 30103(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Highly automated vehicles (A) No State or political subdivision of a State may adopt, maintain, or enforce any law, rule, or standard regulating the design, construction, or performance of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system with respect to any of the safety evaluation report subject areas described in section 30107(b). (B) This paragraph shall cease to have effect with respect to any particular subject matter area on the effective date of a standard applicable to the same aspect of vehicle performance as identified in section 30107(f). (C) Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit a State or political subdivision of a State from maintaining, enforcing, prescribing, or continuing in effect any law or regulation regarding the sale, distribution, repair, or service of highly automated vehicles, automated driving systems, or components of automated driving systems by a dealer, manufacturer, or distributor. . (b) Liability Section 30103(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) State law liability (1) Compliance with a motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter does not exempt a person from liability at common law. (2) Subject to subsection (b)(3)(A), nothing in subsection (b)(3) shall exempt a person from liability at common law or under a State statute authorizing a civil remedy for damages or other monetary relief. . (c) Licensing A State may not issue a motor vehicle operator’s license for the operation or use of a dedicated highly automated vehicle in a manner that discriminates on the basis of disability (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12102 4. Expedited resolution of highly automated vehicles conflicts with standards (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Director The term Director (2) Dynamic driving task The term dynamic driving task (3) Safety standard The term safety standard chapter 301 (b) References to human drivers Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director or other designated entity, after consultation with stakeholders, shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that identifies each provision, requirement, specification, or procedure in a safety standard with a reference to features of the equipment that— (1) are necessary only for the performance of the dynamic driving task by a human driver; (2) specify a location or reference point within a vehicle by reference to the position of a human driver; or (3) serve a purpose of providing information to, or receiving input from, a human driver engaged in performing the dynamic driving task. (c) Substitution of conforming references to automated systems (1) In general In each provision of the report prepared under subsection (b) identifying the text of a regulation from a safety standard, a test procedure, or a method for determining compliance with a safety standard, the Director or designated entity shall include— (A) an alternative reference to an automated system that is suitable for assessing, through an objective test procedure, the compliance of a dedicated highly automated vehicle, or of a highly automated vehicle operating in automated mode, with the safety standard; or (B) a determination that— (i) the relevant regulatory text applies to features of the motor vehicle equipment that are only necessary for the performance of a dynamic driving task by a human driver; and (ii) no alternative reference to an automated system is practicable. (2) Conditions In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director or designated entity— (A) shall ensure that all requirements remain objective and practicable; (B) may not modify the purpose of any safety standard; and (C) may specify different references for— (i) dedicated highly automated vehicles that are intended for human occupancy; and (ii) dedicated highly automated vehicles that are not designed, intended, or marketed for human occupancy. (d) Rulemaking (1) Commencement Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Director or designated entity submits the report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall commence a rulemaking proceeding to incorporate the report by reference into the relevant safety standards, except as provided in paragraph (3). (2) Final rule Not later than 1 year after the Director or other entity submits the report under subsection (b), the Secretary shall issue a final rule to incorporate the report by reference into the relevant safety standards, except as provided in paragraph (3). (3) Alternative text If the Secretary determines that one or more of the revisions to a regulation contained in the report submitted under subsection (b) is not objective, is not practicable, or does not meet the need for motor vehicle safety, the Secretary shall incorporate alternative regulatory text. (4) Incorporation by reference If the Secretary does not complete the rulemaking proceeding under this subsection within 1 year after the submission of the report under subsection (b), the revisions to regulations contained in such report shall be incorporated by reference into the relevant safety standards. (e) Savings provision Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the Secretary from maintaining different test procedures for highly automated vehicles that retain the capability to be operated by a human driver when such vehicles are not operating in an automated mode. 5. Highly automated vehicles testing Section 30112(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (9), by striking or (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (except for a highly automated vehicle) the introduction of a motor vehicle (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following: (11) the introduction of a motor vehicle into interstate commerce solely for the purposes of testing, evaluation, or demonstration of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system if— (A) the testing, evaluation, or demonstration of the vehicle is only conducted by employees, agents, or fleet management contractors of the manufacturer of the highly automated vehicle, the automated driving system, or any component thereof; (B) such manufacturer agrees not to sell, lease, or offer for sale or lease, the vehicle or system at the conclusion of the testing, evaluation, or demonstration; and (C) such manufacturer has submitted appropriate manufacturer identification information that is similar to information submitted by manufacturers subject to a Federal motor vehicle safety standard under part 566 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, before the commencement of such testing or evaluation. . 6. Highly automated vehicles exemptions (a) In general Section 30113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking this section, (1) the term ; (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (2) the term new motor vehicle safety feature ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) The Secretary may begin a proceeding under this subsection when a manufacturer applies for an exemption or a renewal of an exemption. The Secretary shall publish notice of the application and provide an opportunity to comment. An application for an exemption or for a renewal of an exemption shall be filed at a time and in the way, and contain such information, this section and the Secretary require. The Secretary shall grant or deny an exemption for a highly automated vehicle not later than 180 days after receiving an application for such exemption from a manufacturer. Before granting a renewal of an exemption or otherwise increasing the number of highly automated vehicles of a manufacturer that may be sold or introduced under a previously granted exemption, the Secretary shall evaluate the previous exemption and make a safety equivalence finding consistent with paragraph (3). ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(B)(iv), by inserting or introducing or delivering into interstate commerce selling (3) in subsection (d)— (A) by inserting (1) Eligibility (B) by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: (2) A manufacturer is eligible for an exemption under clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection (b)(3)(B) only if the Secretary determines that— (A) the exemption is for not more than 2,500 vehicles to be sold in the United States in any 12-month period; or (B) the vehicle is a highly automated vehicle; and (i) during the 12-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of the AV START Act (ii) during the 12-month period immediately following the period described in clause (i), the exemption is for not more than 40,000 vehicles to be sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the United States; and (iii) during any 12-month period following the period described in clause (ii), the exemption is for not more than 80,000 vehicles to be sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the United States. (C) A manufacturer of a highly automated vehicle may petition the Secretary to expand the exemption under paragraph (2)(B) to more than 80,000 vehicles in any-12 month period after the exemption has been in place for 4 years. ; and (4) in subsection (e), by inserting , unless the vehicle is a highly automated vehicle (b) Sunset A manufacturer’s eligibility for an exemption from a provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph in a motor vehicle safety standard under section 30113(d)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall end on the earlier of the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act or the date on which a standard (except for a standard promulgated under section 4 of this Act) that amends the provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph from which an exemption is sought takes effect, with due consideration for any lead time specified for compliance. 7. Inoperative controls Section 30122(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting (1) A manufacturer (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to a manufacturer that intentionally causes a steering wheel, brake or accelerator pedals, a gear shift, or other feature or element of design related to the performance of the dynamic driving task by a human operator in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard to be temporarily disabled during the time that an automated driving system is performing the entire dynamic driving task. . 8. Levels of driving automation (a) Use of SAE International’s taxonomy and definitions The Secretary shall use the taxonomy and definitions for automated driving systems set forth in SAE International standard J3016, published on September 30, 2016, for the various levels of automation for motor vehicles. (b) Review (1) In general The Secretary— (A) shall review the taxonomy and definitions for automated driving systems set forth by SAE International to ensure that such taxonomy and definitions are clear and objective; and (B) may provide feedback to SAE International for potential updates. (2) Use of revised standard (A) Determination Not later than 120 days after SAE International revises the standard referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary, after publishing notice of the revision in the Federal Register, shall determine whether to adopt the revised standard to identify the various levels of automation for motor vehicles. (B) Effect of decision not to adopt the revised standard If the Secretary decides not to adopt the revised standard— (i) the Secretary shall notify SAE International of the Secretary's decision; and (ii) the definitions referred to in subsection (a) shall remain in effect. 9. Safety evaluation report (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 301 30107. Highly automated vehicles safety evaluation report (a) In general (1) Requirement Each manufacturer introducing a new highly automated vehicle or automated driving system into interstate commerce shall provide a safety evaluation report, in accordance with this section, that describes how the manufacturer is addressing the safety of such vehicle or system. (2) Submission Each manufacturer described in paragraph (1) shall— (A) submit a report to the Secretary— (i) upon testing a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system; and (ii) not later than 90 days before selling, offering for sale, or otherwise commercializing a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system; and (B) annually submit, until the vehicle or system is no longer being sold, offered for sale, or otherwise introduced into interstate commerce by the manufacturer or until the system is no longer being incorporated into new motor vehicles by the manufacturer, an updated report to the Secretary that— (i) may disclose that no significant changes were made to the vehicle or system; and (ii) shall provide aggregate results of any significant safety deviation from expected performance disclosed in the previous report and aggregate results comparing the safety level of the vehicle or system with a vehicle that is not highly automated and is driven by a human driver. (3) Review The Secretary— (A) shall review each report submitted under paragraph (2); and (B) may require that the manufacturer submit additional or clarifying information. (4) Limitation The Secretary may not condition the manufacture, testing, sale, offer for sale, or introduction into interstate commerce of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system based on a review of a safety evaluation report or additional information submitted under this section. (b) Safety evaluation report subject areas Each report submitted by a manufacturer under subsection (a) shall describe how the manufacturer is addressing, through a documented assessment, testing, and validation process, each of the subject areas described in paragraphs (1) through (9). (1) System safety The avoidance of unreasonable risks to safety, including— (A) assurance that systems, including hardware and software, perform intended functions; (B) the mitigation of unreasonable risks to safety caused by a malfunction of the automated driving system, including any component therein; and (C) sense of objects, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and animals in or crossing the path of travel through the automated driving system. (2) Data recording The collection by the vehicle of automated driving system performance information and incident and crash data— (A) to record the occurrence of malfunctions, disengagements, degradations, or failures; (B) to aid in the analysis of the cause of any issues described in subparagraph (A); (C) to enable efforts to work with other entities to address data recording and sharing; and (D) with respect to event data recorder information, that complies with the collection and sharing requirements under the FAST Act ( Public Law 114–94 (3) Cybersecurity The minimization of cybersecurity risks to safety, including evaluation of elements of the supply chain to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the exchange of information about any vulnerabilities discovered from field incidents, internal testing, or external security research, and mechanisms for alerting the human driver or operator about cyber vulnerabilities. (4) Human-machine interface (A) The methods of informing the human driver or operator about whether the automated driving system is functioning properly. (B) For a Level 3 vehicle, the methods to address driver reengagement. (C) The use of a human-machine interface by people with disabilities through visual, auditory, or haptic displays, or other methods. (5) Crashworthiness Practicable protection for all occupants given any planned seating positions or interior configurations. (6) Capabilities The capabilities and limitations of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system, including its expected SAE level. (7) Post-crash behavior The post-crash behavior of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system if sensors or critical systems are damaged in a crash. (8) Account for applicable laws The account of applicable traffic laws and rules of the road, based on operational design domain, in the development of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system. (9) Automation function (A) The expected operational design domain in which the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system is designed to operate, including any roadway and infrastructure assets required for the operation of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system, such as roadside equipment, pavement markings, signage, and traffic signals, and how it will respond if that operational design domain unexpectedly changes. (B) The automated driving system’s expected object and event detection and response capabilities, including behavioral competencies and crash avoidance capability. (C) The ability of the highly automated vehicle or automated driving system to transition to a minimal risk condition when a malfunction is encountered. (D) The performance of the vehicle through the manufacturer’s development and implementation of tests, including simulation, test track, and on-road testing. (c) Certification of inapplicable categories A manufacturer that is solely testing a vehicle or system may certify that one or more of the categories set forth in subsection (b) do not apply. (d) Publicly available The Secretary shall make any report submitted by a manufacturer under this section publicly available not later than 60 days after receipt, except the Secretary may not make publicly available any information relating to a trade secret or confidential business information, or which is privileged. The manufacturer may submit information related to a trade secret or confidential business information separately from the report. (e) Official signature Each report submitted by an entity under this section shall be reviewed by a senior official of the entity who— (1) is knowledgeable about the information contained in the report; and (2) shall certify that, based on the official’s knowledge, the report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. (f) Termination of obligation to disclose information (1) In general A manufacturer’s obligation to provide information on a specific category under subsection (b) shall end on the effective date of a motor vehicle safety standard applicable to the same aspect of vehicle or system performance as is covered by the category, with due consideration for any lead time specified for compliance. (2) Effect of new standard In adopting any standard applicable to highly automated vehicle performance, the Secretary shall— (A) identify the category under subsection (b) to which the standard relates, if any; and (B) specify what information is no longer required to be included in the report as a result of the new standard. (g) Rule of construction (1) Submissions A manufacturer may submit a safety evaluation report for vehicles introduced into interstate commerce before the date of the enactment of the AV START Act (2) Savings provisions Nothing in this section may be construed to amend, limit the authority, or prohibit the use of the information included in the report under this chapter. (3) Nothing in this section may be construed to affect discovery, subpoena, other court order, or any other judicial process otherwise allowed under applicable Federal or State law. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 301 section 30106 30107. Highly automated vehicles safety evaluation report. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) False or misleading reports Section 30165(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting or under the certification process established pursuant to section 30107(e) 30166(o) 10. Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee (referred to in this section as the Committee (b) Membership (1) Voting members The Secretary— (A) shall appoint 15 voting members to the Committee who— (i) are specially qualified to serve on the Committee because of their technical knowledge of automated driving systems, vehicle-to-vehicle infrastructure systems, or the impact of such systems on Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (ii) shall include at least 1 representative of SAE International, automated vehicle proving grounds designated by the Department of Transportation, highly automated vehicle and automated driving system manufacturers, safety organizations, State and local government agencies, and other organizations directly or indirectly impacted by NHTSA regulations; and (B) may appoint new members to the Committee at any time. (2) Compensation Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation. (3) Chairperson The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall act as Chairperson of the Committee, but will not have voting rights, except to break a tie. (c) Duties (1) Recommendations The Committee shall provide consensus-based recommendations to the Secretary on rulemaking, policy, and guidance regarding highly automated vehicle safety, including— (A) the identification and creation of performance standards; and (B) the harmonization of national highly automated vehicle safety standards with international standards. (2) Scope The Committee shall study issues relating to highly automated vehicles, including— (A) system safety; (B) automated steering and braking; (C) crashworthiness for vehicles with unconventional seating positions or vehicles not intended for human occupancy; (D) event data recording; (E) vehicle communication with roadway and infrastructure assets, including pavement markings, signage, and traffic signals; (F) accessibility for people with physical, sensory, or other disabilities, including for those who rely on mobility devices; (G) potential conflicts with existing Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (H) any other issue the Secretary considers appropriate, including safeguards against misuse. (3) Support The NHTSA Office of Rulemaking and the NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Research shall provide support services to the Committee. (4) Meetings The Committee shall meet not less frequently than 4 times per year. Committee meetings shall be open to the public, except in circumstances in which a meeting is likely to discuss— (A) internal personnel rules and practices of the NHTSA; (B) matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute; (C) trade secrets or confidential or privileged business information; (D) matters involving criminal accusation or official censure; (E) information of a personal nature that, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; or (F) investigatory records that might interfere with enforcement proceedings. (5) Working groups (A) In general The Committee may establish temporary working groups, as necessary, to address specific issues. Each working group shall include at least 1 member who represents a manufacturer of highly automated vehicles or automated driving systems and other individuals who are subject matter experts on the issue before the working group. (B) Disability and limited mobility access The Committee shall establish a working group to develop voluntary best practices regarding highly automated vehicle accessibility for people with physical, sensory, or other disabilities, including for those who rely on mobility devices. Such best practices shall address the physical accessibility of highly automated vehicles and human-machine interface accessibility through visual, auditory, or haptic displays or other methods. The working group shall include representatives from national organizations representing individuals with disabilities and older adults. (d) Recommendations for highly automated vehicles (1) In general On a periodic basis, the Committee shall release recommendations on voluntary standards regarding highly automated vehicle safety. (2) Work plan Not later than 180 days after the Committee is established under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit a work plan to the Secretary for carrying out this section. (3) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit a report containing recommendations of consensus-based, feasible, and objective standards to the Secretary for potential rulemaking governing highly automated vehicles that meet the need for motor vehicle safety. (e) Consultation and publication of reports (1) In general The Secretary shall consult with the Committee, as appropriate, on highly automated vehicle safety matters, including the development and implementation of relevant policies, programs, and rulemaking. (2) Recommended agenda The Secretary shall regularly provide recommendations to the Committee regarding the agenda of the Committee and areas in which Committee activity would benefit and complement Department of Transportation efforts. (3) Reports The Secretary shall make any report or recommendation developed under this section publicly available. (f) FACA The Committee shall not be subject to the requirements under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (g) Termination The Committee shall terminate upon the submission of the final report required under subsection (d)(3) unless the Secretary determines that the Committee should continue. 11. Highly automated vehicles rulemaking (a) In general The Secretary shall review and seek public comment on the recommendations for standards made by the Highly Automated Vehicles Technical Committee under section 10(d)(3). (b) Determination Not later than 1 year after the receipt of the recommendations referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) make a determination whether to approve one or more of the recommendations, based on an identified need for motor vehicle safety; and (2) begin a rulemaking proceeding on the recommendations approved pursuant to paragraph (1) on the safety of highly automated vehicles. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict the authority of the Secretary under section 30111 of title 49, United States Code. Any Federal motor vehicle safety standard adopted pursuant to this section shall meet the requirements under such section 30111. 12. Consumer education (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a working group on responsible education efforts for advanced driver assist systems and automated driving systems. (b) Duties The working group established under subsection (a) shall— (1) identify recommended education and responsible marketing strategies and programs that may be voluntarily employed by industry to inform consumers, vehicle owners and operators, and other stakeholders about advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems as they become available or are soon to be introduced into interstate commerce; (2) identify recommended education and responsible marketing strategies that may be voluntarily employed by industry to inform consumers on the comparative safety of highly automated vehicle and non-highly automated vehicles driven by human with respect to crashes, fatalities, and other injuries (if known); and (3) submit a report containing the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress and making such report available to the public. (c) Considerations The working group shall consider topics pertaining to— (1) intent, capabilities, and limitations of advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems; (2) engagement and disengagement methods, including methods to address driver engagement in lower levels of automation; (3) human-machine interfaces; (4) emergency fallback scenarios; (5) operational boundary responsibilities; (6) response in the event of a crash or system failure; (7) potential mechanisms that could change function behavior in service; (8) consistent nomenclature and taxonomy for safety features and systems; and (9) disclosure of automated driving system practices pertaining to consumer data collection, privacy, and data ownership. (d) Membership (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint, as members of the working group, individuals with expertise in automated driving systems and driver assistance systems, including— (A) representatives of— (i) motor vehicle manufacturers; (ii) manufacturers of automated driving systems and driver assistance systems (including components); (iii) motor vehicle dealers; (iv) motor vehicle owners and operators, including fleet managers, vehicle rental companies, and transportation network companies; (v) consumers or consumer advocacy groups; (vi) automated vehicle proving grounds designated by the Department of Transportation; (vii) public health organizations; (viii) marketing professionals; (ix) entities with national experience in consumer education, including drivers' education; (x) safety organizations; (xi) enabling technology companies; and (xii) national cross disability organizations and national organizations representing older adults; and (B) any other members the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Compensation Members of the working group shall serve without compensation. (3) Consultation The Secretary shall consult with the Federal Trade Commission about the recommendations of the working group, as appropriate. (e) Termination The working group established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (f) Rulemaking on point of sale information Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a rule to require clear and concise information about the capabilities and limitations of a highly automated vehicle or an automated driving system to be provided to a consumer at the point of sale and in the vehicle owner’s manual. 13. Traffic safety and law enforcement (a) Research The Secretary, in coordination with State and local transportation and highway safety entities, State and local law enforcement entities, and other relevant parties, shall research the traffic safety implications of highly automated vehicles, including— (1) the intersection of conventional and highly automated vehicles; and (2) law enforcement impacts, including— (A) enforcing applicable laws; (B) identifying whether a vehicle was in automated mode at the time of a crash; (C) lawfully accessing event data information; and (D) determining how a highly automated vehicle should respond to law enforcement. (b) Coordination of safety The Secretary, in coordination with State, local, and law enforcement agencies, may develop a process for State and local entities to provide information, on a voluntary basis, to the Secretary to assist the Department of Transportation in identifying defects related to motor vehicle safety of highly automated vehicles. (c) Crash data Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the crash investigation data collection system to include the collection of crash report data elements that distinguish whether the vehicle involved in a crash is a highly automated vehicle, including the level of automation and whether the vehicle was in automated mode at the time of a crash. 14. Cybersecurity (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 301 30108. Cybersecurity risks to the safety of highly automated vehicles (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Cybersecurity incident The term cybersecurity incident incident 6 U.S.C. 148(a) (2) Cybersecurity risk The term cybersecurity risk 6 U.S.C. 148(a) (3) Cybersecurity vulnerability The term cybersecurity vulnerability security vulnerability 6 U.S.C. 1501 (b) Cybersecurity plan (1) In general Each manufacturer of a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system shall develop, maintain, and execute a written plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks to the motor vehicle safety of such vehicles and systems. (2) Requirements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include a process for— (A) the risk-based prioritized identification and protection of safety-critical vehicle control systems and the broader transportation ecosystem, as applicable; (B) the efficient detection and response to potential vehicle cybersecurity incidents in the field; (C) facilitating expeditious recovery from incidents as they occur; (D) the institutionalization of methods for the accelerated adoption of lessons learned across industry through voluntary exchange of information pertaining to cybersecurity incidents, threats, and vulnerabilities, including the consideration of a coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure policy or other related practices for collaboration with third-party cybersecurity researchers; (E) the identification of the point of contact of the manufacturer with responsibility for the management of cybersecurity; (F) the evaluation of elements of the supply chain to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities; (G) the use of segmentation and isolation techniques in vehicle architecture design, as appropriate; (H) employee training on the implementation of and compliance with the requirements under this paragraph; and (I) supporting voluntary efforts by industry and standards-setting organizations to develop and identify consistent standards and guidelines relating to vehicle cybersecurity, consistent, and to the extent appropriate, with the cybersecurity risk management activities described in section 2(e) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act ( 15 U.S.C. 272(e) (3) Inspection The Secretary may inspect any cybersecurity plan developed by a manufacturer under this subsection to enable the Secretary to decide whether the manufacturer has complied, or is complying, with this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued pursuant to this chapter. (4) Protections for disclosure Each manufacturer required to develop, maintain, and execute a plan under paragraph (1) shall develop a summary of the plan that is suitable for public disclosure and disclose such summary to the public. (c) Coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure The Secretary may work cooperatively with manufacturers of highly automated vehicles and automated driving systems to incentivize manufacturers to voluntarily adopt a coordinated vulnerability disclosure policy and practice in which a security researcher privately discloses information related to a discovered vulnerability to a manufacturer and allows the manufacturer time to confirm and remediate the vulnerability— (1) so that manufacturers build relationships with security researchers to mitigate cybersecurity risks; and (2) to discover and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in highly automated vehicles or automated driving systems that present a risk to motor vehicle safety (as defined in section 30102 of title 49, United States Code). (d) Coordination All Federal agencies undertaking research on cybersecurity risks associated with highly automated vehicles shall coordinate with the Secretary on their findings. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 301 section 30107, 30108. Cybersecurity risks to the safety of highly automated vehicles. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. 15. HAV Data Access Advisory Committee (a) Short title This section may be cited as the HAV Data Access Advisory Committee Act (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Committee The term Committee (2) HAV The term HAV (c) Federal regulation of HAV data access (1) Temporary rulemaking restriction No department or administrative agency of the Federal Government may promulgate any regulation with respect to the ownership of, control of, or access to, information or data stored by, or generated by, a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system before the report required under section (d)(4) is submitted to Congress. (2) Savings provisions Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent the Federal Government from carrying out its responsibilities under the Driver Privacy Act of 2015 ( 49 U.S.C. 30101 (d) HAV Data Access Advisory Committee (1) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the HAV Data Access Advisory Committee to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss and make policy recommendations to Congress with respect to the ownership of, control of, or access to, information or data that vehicles collect, generate, record, or store in an electronic form that is retrieved from a highly automated vehicle or automated driving system. (2) Membership (A) Voting members The Committee shall be composed of the following voting members: (i) The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee. (ii) The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission or the Chairman’s designee. (iii) A representative of State governments. (iv) A representative of local governments. (v) A representative of metropolitan planning organizations. (vi) A representative of transit agencies. (vii) A representative of law enforcement. (viii) A representative of HAV manufacturers. (ix) A representative of HAV equipment manufacturers. (x) A representative of HAV dealers. (xi) A representative of aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. (xii) A representative of independent vehicle repairers. (xiii) A representative of consumer safety advocates with privacy expertise. (xiv) A representative of consumer safety advocates with safety expertise. (xv) A representative of property and casualty insurers. (xvi) A representative of long-term motor vehicle fleet leasing and management companies or professionals. (xvii) A representative of short-term motor vehicle fleet management or rental companies. (xviii) A representative of mobility on demand companies. (xix) A representative of motor coach and tour bus owners. (B) Non-voting members The Secretary may allow additional interested stakeholders to attend and participate in the activities of the Committee as non-voting members. (3) Meetings The Committee shall meet not less frequently than 4 times per year. (4) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the Committee is established pursuant to paragraph (1), the Committee shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives (B) Considerations When making any policy recommendations, the Committee shall give appropriate consideration to motor vehicle safety, intellectual property protections, compliance with requirements under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, customer privacy, cybersecurity, confidential business information related to the mechanical or computer systems of such vehicles, public safety, and transportation planning. Recommendations should address— (i) an owner's or registered user's personally identifiable information; (ii) vehicle-generated data; and (iii) vehicle interface capability. (5) Compensation Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation. (6) Support The Office of Rulemaking of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission shall provide support services to the Committee. (7) Termination The Committee shall terminate upon the submission of the report required under paragraph (4). (e) GAO study on removal of personal data from vehicle information systems (1) Study (A) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the technologies currently available to remove data that may be personally identifiable or attributable to an individual from used motor vehicles upon their sale to a new owner or from leased or rented vehicles at the completion of the lease or rental contract. (B) Uniform data removal approach The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall assess the feasibility of adopting a uniform and simple approach across vehicle brands for the removal of data described in subparagraph (A) when a vehicle is sold or a lease or rental ends. (C) Consultation In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall consult with— (i) vehicle manufacturers; (ii) consumer groups; (iii) vehicle dealers, including representatives of the vehicle leasing and vehicle rental industry; and (iv) other stakeholders. (2) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives (A) the feasibility of adopting a uniform data removal approach; and (B) legislative action that the Comptroller General may consider prudent and practicable for facilitating the consistent removal of data described in subparagraph (A). 16. Cybersecurity consumer education information (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— (1) develop educational cybersecurity resources to assist consumers in maintaining awareness of and minimizing potential motor vehicle cybersecurity risks; and (2) ensure that the resources developed under paragraph (1) are available to and readily accessible by the public on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (b) Periodic updates The Secretary shall periodically update the resources developed under subsection (a). (c) Consultation In developing the resources under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with motor vehicle industry representatives, safety organizations, security researchers, the National institute of Standards and Technology, and State and local government agencies that are directly or indirectly affected by this Act. 17. Provision of cybersecurity resource information Manufacturers of motor vehicles shall include information directing consumers to the cybersecurity resources developed by the Secretary under section 16 in motor vehicle owners' manuals or on the manufacturer's website that is publicly available and accessible to consumers. 18. Highly automated vehicle study (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a study on the existing and future impacts of highly automated vehicles to transportation infrastructure, mobility, the environment, and fuel consumption, including impacts on— (1) the Interstate System (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); (2) urban areas; (3) rural areas; (4) transit systems; (5) corridors with heavy traffic congestion; (6) energy consumption and dependence; (7) the connection between automated driving systems and fuel consumption and emissions; (8) transportation systems optimization; (9) the role of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications in transportation energy use; (10) vehicle drivetrain selection and performance; (11) congestion, crash avoidance, and emissions implications for States and localities; and (12) any other areas or issues that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (b) Contents of study The study under subsection (a) shall include specific recommendations regarding the impacts of highly automated vehicles on— (1) existing transportation system capacity; (2) vehicle miles traveled; (3) vehicle emissions; (4) public transit and multimodal use; (5) energy consumption and dependence; and (6) land use. (c) Considerations In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall— (1) determine the need for any policy changes required by Federal agencies and legislative changes to be considered by Congress; and (2) include a discussion of— (A) the impacts that highly automated vehicles will place on existing transportation infrastructure, including signage and markings, traffic lights, and highway capacity and design; (B) the implications of shared fleet and alternative vehicle ownership models; (C) the impact on commercial and private traffic flows; (D) infrastructure improvement needs that may be necessary to accommodate highly automated vehicles, including potential energy needs; (E) the impact of highly automated vehicles on the environment, energy needs, congestion, and vehicle miles traveled; and (F) the impact of highly automated vehicles on mobility and public transit use in urban, suburban, and rural areas, including pedestrian and bicycle transportation modes. (d) Coordination In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall consider and incorporate relevant current and ongoing research of the Department of Transportation. (e) Consultation In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall convene and consult with a panel of national experts, including— (1) operators and users of the Interstate System (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code), including private sector stakeholders; (2) States; (3) metropolitan planning organizations; (4) the motor carrier industry; (5) representatives of public transportation agencies or organizations; (6) highway safety and academic groups; (7) nonprofit entities with experience in energy security and transportation policy; (8) National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 (9) environmental stakeholders; and (10) highly automated vehicle producers, manufacturers, and technology developers. (f) Report Not later than 18 months after the date on which the study under subsection (a) is initiated, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. (g) FACA The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the panel convened in accordance with subsection (e). 19. Study on encouraging manufacturing in the United States of automated driving equipment and intelligent transportation solutions (a) In general The Secretary shall conduct a study on ways to encourage manufacturing in the United States of automated driving equipment, intelligent transportation solutions, and other equipment, including hardware and processors. (b) Recommendations In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop recommendations for methods to incentivize manufacturing in the United States of automated driving equipment, intelligent transportation solutions, and other equipment, including hardware and processors, including through the use of grant programs and other funding sources. 20. Privacy protections for users of motor vehicles (a) Motor vehicle privacy database Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of NHTSA shall— (1) create a publicly accessible and easily searchable online database that contains the information described in subsection (c); and (2) place a link to the database described in paragraph (1) on the home page of NHTSA’s website. (b) Contents The database described in subsection (b)(1) shall contain— (1) a description of the information, including personally identifiable information, that will be collected about individuals during the operation of motor vehicles; (2) an explanation of how the information referred to in paragraph (1), and the conclusions drawn from such information, will be used, disclosed, and otherwise handled, including— (A) how the collection or retention of such information that is unrelated to the operation of the motor vehicle use will be minimized; (B) the period during which such information will be retained; and (C) when and how such information, including information no longer relevant to the specified use, will be destroyed; (3) steps that will be used to protect against the unauthorized disclosure of any personally identifiable information, such as the use of encryption methods and other security features; and (4) the privacy policies of manufacturers of motor vehicles, including whether consumers will have the right to stop the collection, use, distribution, or sale of their personally identifiable information. 21. Child safety (a) Amendment (1) In general Chapter 323 32304B. Child safety (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Passenger motor vehicle The term passenger motor vehicle (2) Rear designated seating position The term rear designated seating position (3) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Rulemaking Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act (c) Means The alert required under subsection (b)— (1) shall include a distinct auditory and visual alert, which may be combined with a haptic alert; and (2) shall be activated when the vehicle motor is deactivated by the operator. (d) Add-on child restraint systems In issuing the final rule required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall consider additional technologies that work with add-on child restraint systems that achieve the same purpose of alerting the driver in addition to the vehicle-based system. (e) Phase-in The rule issued pursuant to subsection (b) shall require full compliance with the rule beginning on September 1st of the first calendar year that begins more than 30 months after the date on which the final rule is issued. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 323 32304A. Consumer tire information and standards. 32304B. Child safety. . (b) Awareness of children in motor vehicles Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (k) the following: (l) Unattended passengers (1) In general Each State may use a portion of the amounts it receives under this section to carry out a program to educate the public on the risks of leaving a child or unattended passenger in a vehicle after the vehicle motor is deactivated by the operator. (2) Program placement A State does not need to carry out the program described in paragraph (1) through the State transportation or highway safety office. . (c) Study and report (1) Independent study (A) Agreement (i) In general The Secretary shall enter into an agreement or a contract with an independent third-party that does not have any financial or contractual ties with passenger motor vehicle manufacturers or technology companies producing child reminder alert systems to perform the services under this paragraph. (ii) Timing The Secretary shall enter into the agreement or contract described in clause (i) not later than the date that the Secretary determines is the latest date by which completion of the services under this paragraph will allow the Secretary enough time to prepare and submit the study required under paragraph (2) in accordance with such paragraph. (B) Independent study (i) In general Under an agreement between the Secretary and an independent third-party under this paragraph, the independent third-party shall carry out a study on retrofitting existing passenger motor vehicles, and add-on child restraint systems, with technology to address the problem of children left in rear designated seating positions of motor vehicles after the motor vehicles have been deactivated by the operator of the vehicle. (ii) Elements In carrying out the study required under clause (i), the independent third-party shall— (I) survey and evaluate a variety of methods used by current and emerging aftermarket technology or products, including add-on child restraint systems, to solve the problem of children being left in a rear designated seating position after the vehicle motor is deactivated by the operator; (II) make recommendations for manufacturers of such technology or products to undergo a functional safety performance to ensure that the products, including add-on child restraint systems, perform as designed by the manufacturer under a variety of real world conditions; and (III) provide recommendations for consumers on how to select such technology or products in order to retrofit existing vehicles and for add-on child restraint systems. (2) Report During the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the final rule required under section 32304B(b) of title 49, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit the results of the study carried out under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives 22. Savings provision Nothing in this Act may be construed to alter any existing authority under subtitle VI of title 49, United States Code, relating to motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. November 28, 2017 Reported with an amendment

Summary: American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act or the AV START Act This bill: (1) establishes a framework for a federal role in ensuring the safety of highly automated vehicles (HAVs); (2) preempts states from adopting, maintaining, or enforcing any law, rule, or standard regulating an HAV or automated driving system (ADS) regarding certain safety evaluation report subject areas; (3) sets forth conditions under which HAVs may be introduced into interstate commerce for testing, evaluation, or demonstration; and (4) applies certain safety exemptions to HAVs. The Department of Transportation shall: (1) establish a technical committee on HAV and ADS safety, (2) establish a working group on ADS education efforts, and (3) research the traffic safety implications of HAVs. Each HAV or ADS manufacturer shall execute a written plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks. HAV Data Access Advisory Committee Act The Department of Commerce shall establish the HAV Data Access Advisory Committee to provide a forum to discuss and make policy recommendations with respect to the information or data that vehicles collect, generate, record, or store in an electronic form that is retrieved from an HAV or ADS. Commerce shall: develop educational cybersecurity resources to assist consumers in minimizing potential motor vehicle cybersecurity risks; initiate a study on impacts of HAVs on transportation infrastructure, mobility, the environment, and fuel consumption; study ways to encourage U.S. manufacturing of automated driving equipment; and issue a final rule regarding a child safety system to alert motor vehicle operators to check rear designated seating positions after the engine is deactivated. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration shall create a publicly accessible database containing information collected about individuals during motor vehicle operation and privacy policies and protections.