The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has approved the American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies (AV START) Act.

Approval of AV START Act has provided a platform to authorities to advance their efforts in improving roadway safety through the deployment of self-driving vehicles.

Senator John Thune said: “Today’s vote underscores the bipartisan desire to move ahead with self-driving vehicle technology.

“Senator Peters and the members of the Commerce Committee deserve credit for working together to move this bill forward toward Senate floor consideration and collaboration with our colleagues in the House of Representatives. The safety and economic benefits of self-driving vehicles are too critical to delay.”

"The safety and economic benefits of self-driving vehicles are too critical to delay."

The legislation included new bipartisan Senate language to establish a balance between federal and state laws affecting autonomous vehicles. 

Senator Gary Peters said: "Self-driving vehicles will make transformative changes to improve mobility, reduce accidents and enhance safety for millions of travelers on our roads.

"I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson to craft this important legislation that will help advance these lifesaving and life-changing self-driving technologies and ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of vehicle innovation."

In addition, the committee has approved the bipartisan legislation to reform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Act.