What Is
What Is an AV Exemption?
An AV exemption is relief from a specific federal motor vehicle safety requirement for an automated vehicle. NHTSA requested comment on interim guidance for commercial automated-vehicle exemptions under 49 U.S.C. section 30113 (91 FR 48485, July 31, 2026). The guidance describes initial exemption terms followed by operational authorizations that can be modified.
Exemptions are granted requirement by requirement. Separately, FMCSA granted Aurora and qualifying other carriers conditional relief for Level 4 automated driving system-equipped commercial motor vehicles to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of specified conventional warning-device requirements (91 FR 64736, Oct. 9, 2026). That exemption runs from October 7, 2026 through October 7, 2031, and other carriers must notify FMCSA before relying on it and comply with its technical, operational, and reporting conditions. An exemption is relief from a specific requirement, not a general approval of the vehicle.
Pinpoint: 49 U.S.C. § 30113; 91 FR 48485 (July 31, 2026). Related term: AV Exemption (49 U.S.C. § 30113; 91 FR 48485 (July 31, 2026)).