# NHTSA Proposes Autonomous Vehicle Standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed changes to federal vehicle-safety standards for vehicles designed to operate exclusively through automated driving systems. The proposal would revise FMVSS No. 108 requirements, including manual-control provisions, headlamp testing, and optional standardized cyan automated-driving-system marker lamps, while offering greater design flexibility; related proposed exemptions cover selected requirements for turn signals, hazard lights, headlights, and driver-alert features. The rulemaking is not a contract solicitation. Its outcome could affect vehicle design, testing, and compliance planning for manufacturers, lighting suppliers, and automated-driving-system developers.

- The proposal is under Docket No. NHTSA-2026-1519, with a 30-day public comment period beginning after Federal Register publication; the signals do not provide a publication date.
- Affected suppliers and developers can review the proposal and submit technical comments addressing how the changes affect vehicle systems, testing, and safety performance.
- Procurement and business teams should distinguish this proposed rule from an award opportunity and assess potential design or compliance impacts before committing to vehicle-system specifications.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

### Key Quotes
> As automotive technology continues to evolve, our safety standards must keep pace with innovation in ways that do not compromise public safety. These proposed updates address unnecessary regulatory burdens for vehicles built without traditional manual controls while establishing clear performance standards for automated vehicle marker lamps. By aligning our regulations with today’s technology, we are paving the way for safe innovation and setting clear rules of the road for automated vehicles.
> — Jonathan Morrison, NHTSA Administrator

### Sources
- [NHTSA Updates Vehicle Lighting Standards for AVs | NHTSA](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/vehicle-lighting-updates-automated-vehicles) - Nhtsa