Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) has published an op-ed in The Hill discussing the need for a national framework for autonomous trucking. In the piece, he outlines his America Drives Act, which aims to address the regulatory inconsistencies currently affecting the deployment of autonomous trucks across state lines.
Fong notes that while autonomous vehicles and trucks have the potential to improve transportation systems, including supply chain efficiency and roadway safety, a lack of clear federal guidelines is creating challenges. He points out that thirty-five states allow some form of autonomous truck testing or deployment, but others have imposed restrictive or conflicting regulations. This patchwork approach makes it difficult for companies to scale the technology nationwide.
“For industry leaders developing autonomous vehicle technology — and for the truckers, commuters and logistics companies who will rely on it — this inconsistency is unsustainable. These differing state regulations make it nearly impossible to safely and efficiently scale this technology nationwide,” Fong writes.
He warns that without federal intervention, the U.S. risks falling behind other countries like Europe and China, which are integrating autonomous trucks into their supply chains more rapidly.
“Requiring autonomous trucks to navigate a constantly shifting patchwork of state laws is like expecting a train to stop and start every time it crosses state lines — chaotic, inefficient and bound to cause problems. That’s the direction we’re heading with autonomous trucks unless Congress steps in,” Fong says.
The America Drives Act directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to update safety regulations by 2027 specifically for fully autonomous trucks. The bill also proposes modernizing safety measures by allowing flashing warning beacons instead of roadside triangles for better visibility.
Fong emphasizes that “Autonomous vehicles depend on precision and predictability. Regulatory fragmentation injects chaos when we need consistency.” He argues that his legislation would establish clear national standards and clarify federal and state roles in regulating this technology.
By empowering the Department of Transportation to create practical rules, Fong believes the act will help ensure safe large-scale deployment of autonomous trucks while giving companies a path forward for adopting new technologies.
“The stakes are high. Autonomous trucks have the potential to strengthen our supply chains, improve road safety and address the driver shortage in freight transportation which is expected to double by 2030,” he says.
Fong also highlights California’s Central Valley as a key region positioned between major ports, serving as an important corridor for goods movement.
He concludes by urging action: “This is about making sure America — not China or Europe — sets the global standard for autonomous vehicle deployment, while protecting our workers and public safety.”
Fong represents California’s 20th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
