Amazon seeks the NHTSA’s approval, even as the agency’s petition review lags.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Jonathan Morrison recently held the first-ever automated vehicle safety forum. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios joined the transportation officials, who announced that the NHTSA is seeking public comment regarding robotaxis. This action has been taken in response to Amazon announcing a goal to deploy close to 2,500 Zoox, steering wheel-free, self-driving taxis.
“This marks a major milestone towards providing the American AV industry with a streamlined pathway to scaled commercial deployment of novel AV fleets,” said Secretary Duffy.
In August of 2025, Zoox filed a petition that sought the approval of the NHTSA so they could begin service, and promised to provide an equivalent level of safety as human-driven vehicles. The petition also outlined the exemptions needed from eight different federal safety standards, which were written in the context of human operators.
The NHTSA can grant petitions for manufacturers, permitting the use of up to 2,500 vehicles yearly without human controls. The agency has spent the last several years reviewing petitions, but has not yet taken action. Manufacturers have urged the NHTSA to move forward, while the agency has said it is creating a more efficient review process.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Duffy as he oversees the process for regulating automated vehicles.
- For Administrator Morrison as he and members of the NHTSA review self-driving car safety data.
- For Director Kratsios as he collaborates on federal policies regarding emerging technology.
Sources: Carrier Management, Department of Transportation
