[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 [email protected].
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]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P