Framework for Automated Driving System Safety; Extension of Comment Period

James C. Owens
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
29 January 2021

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 18 (Friday, January 29, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01150]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0106]
RIN 2127-AM15


Framework for Automated Driving System Safety; Extension of 
Comment Period

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM); extension of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: In response to a request from Venable LLC, NHTSA is announcing 
a 60-day extension of the comment period on an advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comment on NHTSA's development 
of a framework for Automated Driving System (ADS) safety. The comment 
period for the ANPRM was originally scheduled to end on February 1, 
2021. It will now end on April 1, 2021.

DATES: The comment period for the ``Framework for Automated Driving 
System Safety'' ANPRM, published on December 3, 2020, at 85 FR 78058, 
is extended to April 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Comments must refer to the docket number above and be 
submitted by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, M-30, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern 
time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure 
someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9332 before coming.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Regardless of how you submit your comments, you must include the 
docket number identified in the heading of this notice.
    Note that all comments received, including any personal information 
provided, will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov. 
Please see the ``Privacy Act'' heading below.
    You may call the Docket Management Facility at 202-366-9322. For 
access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, 
go to http://www.regulations.gov or the street address listed above. To 
be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9322 before 
coming. We will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as 
it becomes available.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to inform its decision-making process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. Anyone can search the 
electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the 
name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara R. Bennett, Attorney-Advisor, 
Vehicle Rulemaking and Harmonization, Office of Chief Counsel, 202-366-
2992, email Sara.Bennett@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 3, 2020, NHTSA published an 
ANPRM to obtain public comments on the development of a framework for 
Automated Driving System (ADS) safety (85 FR 78058). The framework 
would objectively define, assess, and manage the safety of ADS 
performance while ensuring the needed flexibility to enable further 
innovation. The Agency sought specific feedback on key components that 
can meet the need for motor vehicle safety while enabling innovative 
designs, in a manner consistent with Agency authorities. The ANPRM 
provided a 30-day comment period, which closes on February 1, 2021.
    On December 18, 2020, NHTSA received a request from Venable LLP on 
behalf of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Property 
Casualty Insurance Association, American Trucking Associations, Motor & 
Equipment Manufacturers Association, National Automotive Dealers 
Association, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Self-
Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, Truck & Engine Manufacturers 
Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Technology 
Engagement Center, (hereinafter ``the requestors''), for a 60-day 
extension of the comment period. The requestors state that the ANPRM 
raises a substantial number of technical and policy questions that 
require significant discussion and analysis on the part of their 
respective members. They suggest that an extension would offer them 
enough time to consult with and seek input from experts across their 
businesses about the ``many complex issues presented in the ANPRM.'' 
They state that having additional time to engage in such consultations 
would enable them ``to better ensure that the comments they provide to 
NHTSA reflect the full measure of thought and analysis that is due for 
this important proceeding.'' The request can be found in the docket for 
the ANPRM identified in the heading of this notice.
    In accordance with NHTSA's rulemaking procedures in 49 CFR part 
553, subpart B, the Agency is granting the request to extend the 
comment period 60 days. We have determined that the requestors have 
shown good cause for an extension, and that the extension is consistent 
with the public interest (49 CFR 553.19). A 60-day extension 
appropriately balances NHTSA's interest in providing the public with 
sufficient time to comment on the complex and novel questions raised in 
the ANPRM, with its interest in obtaining specific feedback from 
stakeholders in a timely manner. Accordingly, NHTSA is extending the 
comment period until April 1, 2021.\1\
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    \1\ Readers should note that, even after the comment closing 
date has passed, interested persons are able to file comments in the 
docket, which NHTSA will consider to the extent practicable. 49 CFR 
553.23. NHTSA may also continue to file relevant information in the 
docket as it becomes available. Accordingly, the Agency recommends 
that readers periodically check the docket for new material.
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    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 49 CFR 501.5.

James C. Owens,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-01150 Filed 1-28-21; 8:45 am]
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