On April 1, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110[1]. The proposed change would allow Automated Driving System (ADS)-equipped vehicles without manually operated driving controls to affix required tire and load information placards on the left side of the vehicle instead of the traditional "driver's side," which doesn't exist in fully autonomous vehicles[1][2]. The public comment period closes on May 1, 2026[1].
Who's Involved
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is spearheading this regulatory modernization as part of the Trump administration's broader AV Framework, announced in September 2025 by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy[5]. This rulemaking complements earlier NHTSA actions in March 2026 proposing exemptions from other FMVSS standards (Nos. 102, 103, and 104) for ADS-equipped vehicles[1].
Context and Timeline
FMVSS No. 110 governs tire selection and rim requirements for motor vehicles, including mandatory placement of an information placard on the "driver's side"[2]. However, many driverless vehicles lack traditional steering wheels, pedals, and driver seating positions, making compliance with this language "confusing and impractical"[1]. This rulemaking represents part of NHTSA's comprehensive effort to modernize decades-old safety standards written for human-driven vehicles[5]. If finalized, the rule would take effect immediately[1].
Why It's Newsworthy
This marks a concrete regulatory acknowledgment that fully autonomous vehicles require adapted standards[6]. The proposal signals NHTSA's commitment to enabling commercial deployment of vehicles like Tesla's Cybercab while maintaining safety oversight, rather than forcing manufacturers to pursue case-by-case exemptions[5].