By DearBornBlog Staff, August 2025
As self-driving technology gains traction on U.S. roads, states are stepping up with updated safety and legal frameworks. A Michigan Advance report reveals that this year, lawmakers introduced 67 autonomous vehicle (AV) bills across 25 states, addressing everything from definitions to insurance, licensing, and testing protocols. Michigan Advance
Michigan’s Part in the Wave
Though Michigan isn’t listed among the states that have already passed AV legislation, this flurry of state-level action signals a near-future push here. With U-M’s “Mcity” AV testing center leading AV research, proactive policy remains crucial.
Federal Landscape: Still Unsettled
On the national front, the NHTSA’s AV STEP program laid a voluntary framework for autonomous vehicle oversight—but lacks mandatory standards.The Verge Meanwhile, University of Michigan expert Henry Liu advocates for a national “driver’s test” for AVs to safely regulate them as they become common.AP News
Why This Matters for Dearborn
From industry employment shifts to road safety, AVs could reshape life here. As regulations evolve, it’s important to watch how Michigan aligns with new laws to support safer streets and smart testing strategies

