Trump administration unveils latest guidelines for autonomous vehicle makers

The Trump administration on Wednesday revealed its latest series of guidelines for autonomous vehicle makers to ensure better safety and consistency as the technology grows.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao unveiled the proposed guidelines, “Automated Vehicles 4.0” (AV 4.0), in a speech at CES gadget show in Las Vegas.

“The goals are simple. … Improve safety, security and quality of life for all Americans,” she said.

The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure a constant government approach to the technology and ensure that the United States will continue to lead AV technology development, research and integration.

“America is known throughout the world for our innovation, for our creative spirit and it is part of our inter-competitiveness, and so we want to foster innovation,” Chao stated. “But there are also legitimate public concerns expressed about safety, security and privacy.”

According to the document, the government will impose existing laws to ensure companies don’t make misleading claims about the capabilities or limitations of autonomous vehicle technology. The guide also builds on previous versions of document to coordinate efforts across the federal government and provide high-level advice to federal agencies, innovators and the public on the U.S. position toward automated vehicles.

“AV 4.0 will ensure American leadership in AV technology development and integration by providing unified guidance for the first time across the federal government for innovators and stakeholders,” Chao said.