NHTSA SGO 2021-01 (AV/ADAS reporting)
NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01 — Crash Reporting for ADS and Level 2 ADAS
United States · NHTSA SGO 2021-01
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- June 29, 2021
- Applies to
- Manufacturers and operators of Level 2 ADAS- and Level 3-5 ADS-equipped vehicles
- Enforced by
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Manufacturers and operators of vehicles equipped with SAE Level 2 driver-assistance (Tesla Autopilot, GM Super Cruise) or Level 3-5 automated driving systems must report crashes to NHTSA on a strict timeline — within one day for serious crashes. The data drives recall actions including Tesla's Dec. 2023 over-the-air Autopilot recall.
Who is protected: Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users exposed to AV/ADAS-equipped vehicles
Legal detail
NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01 (Incident Reporting for ADS and Level 2 ADAS-Equipped Vehicles), as amended Aug. 5, 2021 and May 31, 2024. Requires manufacturers and operators to report crashes meeting specified criteria within 1 calendar day for fatal/airbag-deploying crashes and monthly for other reportable crashes.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | United States |
|---|---|
| Level | Federal |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | June 29, 2021 |
| Citation | NHTSA SGO 2021-01 |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Civil penalties up to $26,315 per violation per day, capped at $131,564,183 per related series (49 U.S.C. § 30165) |
| Topics | consumer protection · AI disclosure and transparency · automated decision-making |
| Agency page | NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01 (Third Amended, May 2022) |
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