AMERICA DRIVES Act

This bill amends federal law to allow commercial motor vehicles equipped with high-level automated driving systems (ADS) to operate in interstate commerce without a human driver on board or a remote human driver. It also directs the Secretary of Transportation to update regulations to integrate ADS-equipped vehicles and clarifies that certain state laws requiring a human occupant are preempted.

Sec. 2, Preemption of state laws requiring a human occupant: This section adds a new federal law stating that a commercial motor vehicle with a Level 4 or Level 5 ADS may be operated in interstate commerce without a human driver on board or a remote human driver. The Secretary must issue regulations to implement this. It also defines key terms: 'ADS-equipped vehicle,' 'automated driving system' (ADS), 'Level 4,' and 'Level 5' based on SAE International standards.

Sec. 3, Reducing regulatory obstacles: By September 30, 2027, the Secretary must update certain federal regulations (sections 350-399 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to integrate ADS into commercial vehicle operations. This includes clarifying that rules applying only to human drivers (like hours of service, drug testing, electronic logging devices, commercial driver's license, and physical qualifications) do not apply to ADS or ADS-equipped vehicles operating without a human driver. The Secretary must also define 'remote driver' and 'remote assistance.' The Secretary cannot issue regulations that unduly burden or discriminate against ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, width calculations for commercial motor vehicles will exclude automated driving technologies or equipment.

Sec. 4, Regulatory interpretations: Certain federal regulations (sections 392.22 and 393.95(f)) must be applied as if they include cab-mounted warning beacons as a permissible warning device, as proposed in a 2023 exemption application.