NHTSA calls on AV developers to fix first-responder interference, citing 'danger to the general public'
U.S. safety regulator Administrator Jonathan Morrison says driverless vehicles that block police, fire, or ambulance crews are a danger, and he warns of enforcement if developers don't act.
- 2026
- 2017
What Happened
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison issued a public call to action to automated vehicle developers over a pattern of interference with first responders. The agency says it has documented multiple instances of driverless AVs driving into active emergency scenes, blocking ambulances and firefighters, and failing to recognize flashing lights, flares, smoke, fire, and traffic cones. The call builds on NHTSA's recent efforts to remove red tape, host the first-ever National AV Safety Forum, and create AV safety standards.
“Every second matters when law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics are answering a call because lives are on the line. That is why human drivers who impede these operations are subject to fines and even jail time.”
Morrison said NHTSA expects developers to prioritize first-responder interactions and will schedule meetings with driverless automated driving system developers by month's end to hear their solutions. He warned that NHTSA will continue to exercise its enforcement authority for developers that do not address significant safety concerns, adding that "public trust on our roads is earned, not given."
- Modernized safety standards: proposed updates to FMVSS for transmission shifting (102), windshield defrosting/wiping (103/104), tire placards (110), and braking systems (135); announced intention to u
- National competency standards: initiated development of the world's first AV performance standards meeting the Vehicle Safety Act's objectivity requirements.
- New safety guidance: initiated drafting the first major federal safety guidance for AV developers since 2017.
- Improved exemptions: streamlined the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP) and Part 555 exemption programs and expanded AVEP to include domestic vehicles.
Why this matters
If autonomous vehicles can't recognize flashing lights, flares, smoke, fire, or traffic cones, they can delay ambulances and firefighters, putting lives at risk. NHTSA is putting the industry on notice: developers must meet with the agency by month's end and fix the problem, or face enforcement action. That pressure affects every AV developer and operator, and ultimately the public that shares the road with driverless cars.
Terms in This Story
- AV
- Automated vehicle; a vehicle capable of driving itself without human input.
- FMVSS
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; U.S. regulations that set minimum safety requirements for motor vehicles.
- First responders
- Emergency personnel such as police, firefighters, and paramedics who arrive first at an incident.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.