Autonomous trucking companies welcome five-year exemption; OOIDA questions safety of alternative warning system The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has cleared the way for autonomous trucks to replace traditional roadside warning triangles with flashing warning beacons mounted on the truck itself.
Under the exemption, qualifying trucks can use flashing amber beacons mounted high on the cab to alert approaching motorists when the vehicle is stopped.
Aurora subsequently operated under temporary waivers while gathering additional information about the performance of its warning beacons.
“In today’s disappointing decision, FMCSA has chosen a less safe system over a proven and reliable solution,” he said.
Although the exemption applies only to qualifying autonomous trucks, FMCSA noted that cab-mounted warning beacons could also offer benefits for trucks operated by human drivers.