Automatic Emergency Brake Mandate Proposed

Two federal agencies have unveiled a joint proposed rule requiring automatic emergency brake (AEB) systems on heavy trucks. 

The rule, filed June 22 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, would require the brakes on all trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, as well as require these trucks to have an electronic stability control system that works with the AEB system. 

Implementation would be in either three or four years after the rule is made final, depending on if the vehicle is currently subject to the electronic stability control system requirement. 

For vehicles currently subject to the control requirement, “any vehicle manufactured on or after the first September 1 that is three years after the date of publication of the final rule would be required to meet FMCSA’s proposed AEB regulation.” Those not subject to the requirement would be given four years. 

The document notes that “substantial” safety benefits are expected under the rule’s implementation. Once the proposal publishes in the Federal Register, there will be a 60-day comment period. 

Implementation of the proposed rule was required under the 2021 infrastructure law.