The Trump Administration is reconsidering a landmark rule requiring nearly all new cars and trucks to be equipped with advanced automatic emergency braking systems by 2029, sparking concerns about safety and technological feasibility.
US Auto Safety Agency Reconsiders Landmark Rule on Automatic Emergency Braking
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is reviewing a landmark rule requiring nearly all new cars and trucks to be equipped with advanced automatic emergency braking systems by 2029. The agency has delayed the effective date of the regulation to March 20, giving the new administration time to further review the rule.
Automakers Challenge Regulation
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major automakers such as General Motors, Toyota Motor, and Volkswagen, has filed a lawsuit to block the rule. The group argues that the requirement for cars and trucks to be able to stop and avoid striking vehicles in front of them at speeds up to 62 miles per hour is unrealistic with current technology.
The Alliance has also asked NHTSA to reconsider the rule, citing concerns about its feasibility. In November, Alliance CEO John Bozzella wrote to President Trump urging him to review the regulation, calling it “wrong on the merits” and “a disastrous decision.”
Background on the Rule
The requirement for automatic emergency braking systems was established by Congress in the 2021 infrastructure law. The law directed NHTSA to establish minimum-performance standards for these systems, which use sensors such as cameras and radar to detect potential crashes and automatically apply brakes if necessary.
In 2016, 20 automakers voluntarily agreed to make automatic emergency braking standard on nearly all US vehicles by 2022. By late 2023, all 20 had equipped at least 95% of their vehicles with the braking systems. However, critics argue that government regulations are needed to ensure the effectiveness of these systems.
Potential Impact
The NHTSA estimates that the rule will save at least 360 lives annually and prevent at least 24,000 injuries. The agency notes that traffic deaths spiked after the pandemic, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures in vehicles.
With the review of this landmark rule underway, it remains to be seen how the new administration will proceed with implementing or revising the regulation.
