Opinion: Regulation Must Precede the Mass Rollout of Autonomous Cars

The time to craft a comprehensive set of regulations governing safety, privacy, accessibility, and equity is now.

1 minute read

November 14, 2022, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Small autonomous bus vehicle in Helsinki, Finland

Autonomous bus in Helsinki, Finland. | SariMe / Autonomous bus

In an op-ed in Next City, Yonah Freemark argues that the United States urgently needs new regulations governing autonomous vehicles. Freemark outlines the potential benefits of AVs: improved safety, more time for commuters, expanded access to transportation. “But there’s no guarantee these benefits will be achieved,” Freemark continues.

A botched AV deployment could result in more pedestrians exposed to traffic crashes. AV camera systems — essential to allow these vehicles to navigate the streets — could invade peoples’ privacy. And AVs, like current ride-hailing services, could offer less equitable access to mobility for people with low incomes, while producing more traffic than ever.

Freemark points to new research from the Urban Institute that shows how federal, state, and local regulations can guide the rollout of AVs to maximize benefits and minimize harms. Important steps include comprehensive driving tests aimed specifically at autonomous cars, regulations around privacy, and minimum service requirements to ensure equitable distribution of commercial AVs like those used by ride-hailing companies.

Monday, November 14, 2022 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

15 minutes ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

1 hour ago - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

2 hours ago - Grist