MEMA Weighs In On NHTSA Self-Driving Car Ruling

MEMA Weighs In On NHTSA Self-Driving Car Ruling

The legal analysis prepared for MEMA suggests that NHTSA may be moving toward recognizing self-driving systems as the vehicle’s driver for purposes of compliance with current safety regulations.

 

mema-logo-300x166WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has released a legal interpretation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) decision that the car itself (the self-driving system) that pilots a Google car could be considered the “driver” under federal law.

“We have been following the development of semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles closely on behalf of our supplier members, both the technology itself and the evolving regulations. We are actively engaged with NHTSA on this and other topics,” said Bill Long, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s light vehicle aftermarket division who serves as executive liaison for MEMA’s government relations initiatives. “We had noted Google’s petition for a NHTSA ruling last November. When the NHTSA response was made public this week, we immediately requested an analysis by Arent Fox, our legal counsel, so our supplier members can stay on top of these developments.”

The legal analysis prepared for MEMA suggests that NHTSA may be moving toward recognizing self-driving systems as the vehicle’s driver for purposes of compliance with current safety regulations.

“Clearly, the evolution to self-driving systems has huge potential impact to the automotive industry as we know it. At this point, the technology is almost in place, so it could be that regulations determine how fast autonomous vehicles become widespread,” Long said. “MEMA is very engaged in these regulatory developments so that suppliers are informed in real time on important matters.”

The Arent Fox analysis for MEMA can be viewed here.

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Leaders Visit Northwood University

Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey was the guest lecturer for several Northwood automotive aftermarket courses at its Midland campus.

Bill Hanvey Auto Care Northwood

Photo caption: Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association (pictured on the right), teaches an automotive aftermarket course during a recent visit to Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

Leaders from the Auto Care Association recently visited Northwood University to meet with students enrolled in automotive aftermarket courses.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Achieves UAF Gold Lifetime Trustee Status

The designation goes to “outstanding donors who significantly support the UAF’s mission.”

MEMA UAF Gold Lifetime Trustee
ASE Ed. Foundation, Auto Dealer Associations Tackle Tech Shortage

Three student competitions are currently scheduled for 2024, with more being planned.

ASE Education Foundation Auto Dealers
Northwood U Announces 2024 Class of 20 Under 40 Honorees

The program recognizes NU alumni who are ambitious professionals doing great things in their careers, organizations or communities.

Northwood University 20 Under 40
Two NexaMotion Units Expand Product Offerings, Open New Locations

Transtar Industries and C&M Auto Parts are expanding.

NexaMotion Expanding

Other Posts

GPC Reports 2023 Results, Announces Global Restructuring Program

The restructuring includes a voluntary retirement offer in the United States.

AutoPartSource/Momentum USA Receives O’Reilly’s Sales & Service Award

This is the second year in a row that O’Reilly has honored AutoPartSource/Momentum USA with the award.

Momentum USA OReilly
Kalitta Motorsports, Dayco Announce Partnership, Distributor Agreement

Dayco will have branding on J.R. Todd’s DHL GR Supra funny car, and Kalitta is the exclusive at-track distributor of Dayco 11-mm racing blower belts for nitro engines.

Dayco Kalitta