Federal regulators have cleared a small but stubborn obstacle for driverless semi trucks: what to do about the reflective warning triangles a human driver would normally set out after a breakdown.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted a five-year exemption, effective Oct. 7, that lets self-driving trucks use flashing warning beacons mounted on the cab instead. It runs through Oct. 7, 2031.
The Problem
Under existing rules, when a big rig stops on the shoulder, the driver generally has to place warning triangles behind the truck within 10 minutes. A truck with nobody inside cannot do that. Aurora Innovation asked for an exemption, was turned down in 2024, then received a narrower temporary waiver so it could gather data. The dispute also went to court.
What the Data Showed
- Aurora ran 34 trucks more than 500,000 miles (about 800,000 km) between October 2025 and January 2026.
- The beacons were switched on for nearly 10 hours in total, with no reported faults or power problems.
- FMCSA said the trucks were not involved in or contributors to any collisions while stopped with beacons on.
- Studies cited by the agency found drivers started slowing or changing lanes earlier when they saw the beacons.
The Conditions
The beacons must meet brightness standards, have backup power and turn on within five minutes of a stop. Regular hazard lights must keep flashing. The exemption does not cover passenger transport or hazardous materials. Other autonomous truck operators, including Kodiak, can use it by notifying FMCSA in advance.
Aurora’s Gerardo Interiano called it “a meaningful step forward in making our roads safer for everyone.”
Not Everyone Agrees
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which represents independent truckers, opposed the change. President Todd Spencer said “beacons are not an adequate replacement for warning devices” on curves and hills and in bad weather, and argued that FMCSA “has chosen a less safe system over a proven and reliable solution.” The agency received 402 public comments.
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