Federal safety rules set for self-driving vehicles
In committeeH.R. 7390Latest action
Sponsor: Robert E. Latta · Representative · OH
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: SELF DRIVE Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Federal law would set uniform safety rules for self-driving vehicles, blocking states from adding their own design or sales requirements.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill creates new federal safety rules for vehicles that use automated driving systems. Companies would have to file a detailed safety document covering how their system works, handles emergencies, protects pedestrians and cyclists, and guards against hacking. A national crash database and mileage reporting system would also be created.
Who does it affect?
Companies that make or sell self-driving vehicles in the United States would have to follow these rules. Federal transportation officials would receive and review safety documents and crash reports, and states and cities would lose the ability to set their own rules on the design or sale of these vehicles.
Why does it matter?
Without a single national standard, self-driving vehicle rules vary by state, which this bill would change by placing that authority at the federal level. States would keep control over traffic laws, registration, and insurance, but not over how these vehicles are designed or sold.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 5, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 10, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 11.