Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, NHTSA NEWS—AUTOMATED VEHICLES—NHTSA presses AV developers to address interference with first responders, (Jul 9, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

“An automated vehicle that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the general public,” the agency warned.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a public call to action urging automated vehicle developers to address what it described as a pattern of driverless vehicles interfering with law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. In a letter released by NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison, the agency said it has identified multiple instances in recent months in which automated vehicles entered emergency scenes, blocked ambulances and fire apparatus, or failed to respond appropriately to conditions such as flashing emergency lights, traffic cones, flares, smoke, and fire (NHTSA Press Release (July 8, 2026)).

According to NHTSA, every second is critical when first responders are handling emergencies, which is why human drivers who obstruct those operations can face fines or jail time. The agency said automated vehicle developers and operators should immediately dedicate resources to resolving the interference issue.

NHTSA also announced plans to meet with developers of driverless automated driving systems before the end of the month to discuss proposed solutions. The agency said it would continue using its enforcement authority when developers fail to address significant safety concerns.

AV framework. The call to action comes as NHTSA continues a broader effort to expand automated vehicle deployment while developing safety requirements and reducing regulatory barriers. According to the agency, recent actions under the Trump administration's automated vehicle framework have included proposals to modernize a range of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards affecting transmission shifting, windshield defrosting/wiping systems, tire placards, and braking systems.

NHTSA also announced plans to update standards covering vehicle lighting, mirrors and rearview displays, electronic stability control systems, and sun visors and warning labels. The agency said those updates could eventually reduce the need for individual vehicle exemptions sought by some automated vehicle manufacturers.

Further, NHTSA has begun developing what it described as the world's first national competency standards for automated vehicle performance that would satisfy the Vehicle Safety Act's objectivity requirements.

The agency is also drafting new federal safety guidance for automated vehicle developers, which it said would be the first major update of its kind since 2017. The effort is being conducted in collaboration with industry representatives and safety experts.

In addition, NHTSA has streamlined its Automated Vehicle Exemption Program and Part 555 exemption processes for demonstration and commercial fleets and expanded eligibility under the exemption program to include domestically produced vehicles.

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