USA: All new cars to get automatic emergency braking from 2029

Automakers have till September 1, 2029, to meet the new regulations.

According to media reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) a mandatory safety feature on all new vehicles, starting in 2029.

As per the new regulation, all new passenger vehicles sold in the USA & weighing under 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) should come fitted with the safety tech. The US government implied that the inclusion of AEB in new cars will potentially help save up to 400 lives per year while preventing thousands of injuries.

The legislation also states that the automatic braking system should enable a car to stop and avoid collision with the vehicle in front when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h; both in day and night conditions. The system should also apply brakes automatically, even at speeds of up to 145 km/h, if it detects that the car is about to collide with a vehicle in front. Also, the AEB system should spot and avoid hitting pedestrians at car speeds of up to 72 km/h.

NHTSA states that the new tech will add $84 to the price of a new car. However, the agency will leave the choice of sensors used up to the carmakers.

Automakers have till September 1, 2029, to meet the new regulations. Also, low-volume automakers will get an additional year as a grace period.

Source: NYTimes