Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NHTSA, GM Discuss Self-Driving Vehicles Without Steering Wheels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently met with General Motors to talk about its petition to deploy self-driving vehicles without steering wheels or other human controls.

by Staff
December 24, 2019
NHTSA, GM Discuss Self-Driving Vehicles Without Steering Wheels

This is the first time that NHTSA is reviewing a vehicle where all driving decisions will be made by a computer rather than a human driver

Photo via Pxhere.

1 min to read


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been talking with General Motors about its petition to deploy self-driving vehicles without steering wheels or other human controls, according to a Reuters report.

NHTSA plans to make a decision soon on GM’s petition as well as the request by driverless delivery startup Nuro to deploy a limited number of the automated delivery vehicles. 

Ad Loading...

GM Chief Executive Mary Barra and U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao met recently to talk about the petition, according to the report.

This is the first time that NHTSA is reviewing a vehicle where all driving decisions will be made by a computer rather than a human driver, says the report. 

“We’re in communication with them about how they are ensuring the safe operation of the vehicle,” said NHTSA Administrator James Owens. “We will continue having a back and forth with them.”

This year, Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo units started offering some rides with no human driver in its autonomous ride-hailing service, but the vehicles have steering wheels and employees view remote feeds of each vehicle’s camera.

More Fleet Forward

FFC updates and news template
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 22, 2026

What Fleets Want: FFC Panel to Examine the Future of the Fleet-OEM Relationship

Fleet and OEM leaders will tackle how connected vehicles, embedded telematics, and data are changing the relationship between commercial fleets and automakers.

Read More →
A graphic with the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists
Fleet Forwardby Faith HowellAugust 19, 2026

2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Finalists Announced

Who are the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists?

Read More →
John Rossant speaker keynote image
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 18, 2026

John Rossant to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The CoMotion founder will draw on developments across Europe, China, the Middle East, and other international markets to identify trends that could influence how U.S. fleets plan for the coming decade.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Vibe coding webinar promo image
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 12, 2026

How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]

A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.

Read More →
speaker card for Fresh Voices seminar at FFC
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 10, 2026

Is Fleet Ready for Its New Disruptors?

Three emerging leaders from a corporate fleet, public fleet, and the automotive supply chain will bring new ideas and a willingness to challenge industry norms to the Fleet Forward Conference stage.

Read More →
A fleet forward safety symposium announcement photo from NAFA
Fleet Forwardby News/Media ReleaseAugust 5, 2026

NAFA Announces 2026 Fleet Safety Symposium Education Program

Register for NAFA’s Fleet Safety Symposium and save $200 on your Fleet Forward Conference registration.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Speaker card for vibe code session at Fleet Forward Conference
Fleet Forwardby Chris BrownAugust 3, 2026

Fleet Managers Take the Lead in Hands-On AI Workshop at FFC

The fleet manager-led session will show how to use “vibe coding” to build practical fleet tools without a traditional programming background.

Read More →
FFC seminar speaker card Cost of Crashes
Fleet Forwardby StaffJuly 31, 2026

NETS Crash-Cost Data and CoolSys’ 80% Loss Reduction Take Center Stage at FFC

NETS will present findings from its latest Cost of Crashes research, then CoolSys safety leader and author Shawn Martinez will explain how the company built a safer driving culture across 3,500 employees.

Read More →
seminar card for Gray Fleet Risk session at Fleet Forward Conference
Fleet Forwardby StaffJuly 24, 2026

Is Your Grey Fleet Creating an Unmanaged Safety Risk?

NCR Atleos Fleet Manager Jose Rocha will join Cardata and SambaSafety experts at Fleet Forward Conference to examine how fleets can extend safety oversight to every employee who drives for business.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
speaker image for Fleet Forward Conference session on agentic AI
Fleet Forwardby StaffJuly 22, 2026

Agentic AI Session at FFC Will Help Fleets Turn Data Into TCO Action

Mike Albert Fleet Solutions and Motorq will show how agentic AI can uncover maintenance, fuel, and utilization savings buried across disconnected fleet data.

Read More →