In a move aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of US automakers against China, the Trump administration has announced eased regulatory barriers for self-driving cars. Carmakers are now permitted to request exemptions from specific safety regulations in order to conduct research and demonstrations. Despite this relaxation, crash reporting requirements will continue to be enforced. The federal government intends to simplify the exemption application process, a change that comes in response to criticisms from Tesla CEO Elon Musk regarding the current system’s complexity. This development signals a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles, with potential implications for the global automotive industry.