Last verified: February 27, 2026
Laws And Regulations: What Changed For AVs In 2025-2026?
U.S. AV policy is moving from pilot language to implementation details. NHTSA announced new FMVSS modernization rulemaking tracks in 2025, streamlined Part 555 exemptions, and continues monthly SGO crash data updates into 2026.
Direct Answers
Who regulates AVs in the U.S.?
NHTSA regulates federal motor-vehicle safety standards and national defect reporting, while states control testing and deployment permits on public roads.
What changed in 2025?
NHTSA announced three AV-focused rulemakings for FMVSS 102, 103/104, and 108, and separately streamlined the Part 555 exemption process for noncompliant ADS vehicles.
Where are steering-wheel-free vehicles in the process?
NHTSA said in August 2025 that it granted the first U.S. exemption for a noncompliant ADS vehicle and identified Zoox as the recipient.
How should policy teams read AV safety context in 2026?
Use AV incident datasets alongside broader road-safety baselines. NHTSA estimated 17,140 U.S. roadway deaths in the first half of 2025, down 8.2% year over year.
Policy Timeline (2025-2026)
Part 555 process update
NHTSA announced a streamlined exemption workflow and reiterated the statutory annual cap of 2,500 exempted vehicles.
Three FMVSS modernization tracks announced
NHTSA said it would start AV-focused rulemakings for controls, windshield transparency/washer, and crash avoidance standards.
Final ADS standards research volume released
NHTSA said the final volume of its standards project mapped pathways across 81 FMVSS standards for innovative ADS designs.
Public reporting datasets expanded
NHTSA’s SGO dashboard includes third-amendment reports through January 15, 2026, and California published 9 million-plus AV testing miles for the 2024-2025 reporting window.
2026 Compliance Review Checklist
| Question | Why it matters | Primary source |
|---|---|---|
| Are you pursuing Part 555 exemptions? | NHTSA streamlined requests but statutory limits still apply. | NHTSA exemption update |
| Do you map design choices to modern FMVSS tracks? | NHTSA announced active rulemaking focus areas for AV configurations. | NHTSA AV framework plan |
| Do your incident workflows align with SGO expectations? | SGO data are updated monthly and include ADS and qualifying ADAS events. | NHTSA SGO reporting |
| Are state permit metrics tracked separately from federal reports? | State miles and disengagement rules are not interchangeable with SGO records. | California DMV AV report |
Next: use the FAQ page for rider-safe messaging, or open AV News for current evidence updates.