USDOT inches ahead with nationwide Automated Vehicle deployment plan

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) took a step forward in a plan for national deployment of automated vehicles.

In a Request For Information (RFI) notice to be published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2025, USDOT’s research and technology arm called for comment on the agency’s plans for eventual Automated Driving Systems (ADS) transportation technology deployment on U.S. roadways.

Specifically, USDOT is asking for comment from industry stakeholders on any roadblocks that would stand in the way of nationwide deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles in order to inform future research:

“ADS-equipped vehicles have significant potential to transform safety and mobility but in order for national deployment to scale effectively, research questions relating to the challenges and opportunities of ADS, including understanding disengagements, identifying factors that contribute or detract from reliable and consistent operations and interactions, and facilitating interoperable data standardization and real- time analytics, among others, are important to investigate further to support deployment and broad public acceptance.“

USDOT also asked for specific comment on issues involving automated fleet operations:

“What additional research is needed to improve understanding of operational needs related to automated fleet operations (including both commercial motor vehicles and non-CMV fleets such as ride hailing), e.g. transcontinental automated truck trips, including fueling, inspection, emergency maintenance and other services. What interoperable digital data would be valuable in supporting these services for automated fleets?“

“This understanding will help the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) develop a research agenda to facilitate nationwide AV deployment,” officials said.