Cruise accident involving pedestrian results in $1.5 million fine by NHTSA

Due to concerns about the safety of self-driving cars, the state of California suspended Cruise’s robotaxi service in October 2023, following the same accident that resulted in a fine from the NHTSA this week.

Self-driving cruise cars will receive more oversight

NHTSA’s consent order is effective September 26 and contains both monetary and non-monetary provisions aimed at improving oversight of the company’s safety practices and improving Cruise’s compliance with the law.

Under the order, Cruise will pay $1.5 million within 30 days of its effective date and must submit to NHTSA a corrective action plan within 60 days detailing how it will improve compliance with the standing general order.

“It is critical for companies developing automated driving systems to prioritize safety and transparency from the outset,” Sophie Shulman, NHTSA deputy administrator, said in the release. “NHTSA uses its enforcement authority to ensure that operators and manufacturers comply with all legal obligations and are committed to protecting all road users.”

To improve oversight of the company, NHTSA requires Cruise to report information about its operations, including vehicle miles traveled, the number of vehicles in operation and whether those vehicles operate without a driver.

Cruise must also summarize software updates that may impact autonomous driving systems, report any violations or allegations related to traffic laws, and provide a framework for assessing the safety of its operations.

NHTSA will meet with Cruise quarterly to discuss operational status, review reporting, and assess progress on the requirements outlined in the authorization order.

In addition, the company must submit a final report on compliance with the consent order and the status of operations 90 days before the end of the basic term, which is currently set at two years but can be extended to three years if necessary.