Trump Team Proposes ‘Freedom Cars’

The Trump administration is proposing new legislation designed to protect Americans’ ability to drive traditional, driver-controlled vehicles as self-driving technology becomes more common across the United States.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently introduced the proposal, known as “Freedom Cars,” as part of the administration’s transportation agenda ahead of Congress’ upcoming surface transportation reauthorization deadline on Sept. 30.

Supporters say the measure is intended to preserve consumer choice by ensuring Americans are never required to own or operate self-driving or internet-connected vehicles simply to use public roads.

What Is the ‘Freedom Cars’ Proposal?

Despite its name, the proposal does not create a new type of automobile.

Instead, it would prohibit federal, state, tribal, and local governments from requiring drivers to own vehicles equipped with autonomous driving systems or technology capable of wirelessly transmitting vehicle data.

The proposal appears in Duffy’s transportation blueprint under a section titled “Freedom Car Right to Drive Disconnected and Non-Automated.”

If approved by Congress, Americans would continue to have the legal option to purchase and drive conventional gasoline, diesel, or other driver-controlled vehicles without being forced into connected or autonomous technology.

Consumer Choice at the Center

The Trump administration says technological innovation should expand consumer options—not eliminate them.

As automakers invest billions of dollars in autonomous driving systems and connected vehicle technology, officials argue drivers should remain free to choose whether they want those features.

Under the proposal, governments would be barred from making self-driving technology or wireless vehicle connectivity a requirement for operating a vehicle on public roads.

Supporters say the measure protects personal freedom while allowing the private sector to continue developing new transportation technologies.

Self-Driving Technology Still Moving Forward

Although the proposal protects traditional vehicles, the administration is also encouraging continued development of autonomous transportation.

Federal officials are seeking to expand testing programs, reduce regulatory barriers, and establish updated rules specifically designed for self-driving vehicles.

Duffy has argued that the United States must remain competitive as countries around the world race to develop next-generation transportation technology. At the same time, he says Americans should never be forced to surrender control of their own vehicles in order to travel legally.

Part of Trump’s Broader Transportation Agenda

The Freedom Cars initiative is one piece of what the Trump administration has described as a “Golden Age of Transportation.”

The broader proposal includes:

• Completing and expanding key portions of the Interstate Highway System.
• Supporting permanent daylight saving time.
• Modernizing transportation infrastructure.
• Rolling back several transportation and climate-related policies implemented during the Biden administration.
• Encouraging innovation while reducing federal regulations that officials believe slow economic growth.

Administration officials say these policies are intended to strengthen America’s transportation network while preserving individual freedom and consumer choice.

What Happens Next?

The proposal is not yet law.

Congress must approve the measure as part of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill before any of its provisions can take effect.

If lawmakers approve the legislation, governments would be prohibited from requiring Americans to own connected or self-driving vehicles simply to drive on public roads.

For supporters, the proposal represents an effort to balance rapid advances in autonomous vehicle technology with a longstanding principle: Americans should remain free to choose whether they drive a traditional vehicle or adopt the latest transportation innovations.