FMCSA proposed to require automatic emergency braking systems on trucks

The US has issued notice of a planned rule requiring automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on heavy duty trucks.

Rulemaking was proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration (FMCSA).

As of June 22, rulemaking will require AEB systems on vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW. The standard requires the technology to operate at speeds ranging from 6 miles to 50 miles per hour.

The AEB system is defined by “a variety of sensor technologies and subsystems that work together to detect when a vehicle is in an imminent crash situation and automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes if the driver has not done so, or automatically apply more braking force in addition to braking.”

The rule also requires almost all heavy duty vehicles to have an electronic stability control system.

“AEB standard setting is a key component of the Department’s National Highway Safety Strategy,” said FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson.

Compliance dates will begin as early as three years after the publication of the Final Rule in the Federal Register.

Within 60 days, the FMCSA and NHTSA invite the public to express their public opinion on this rulemaking at www.regulations.gov.