Hunton Retail Law Resource

On July 30 and 31, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a coordinated series of regulatory and policy actions that together represent the most significant recalibration of federal autonomous vehicle (AV) oversight in years. These actions accelerate near-term commercial deployment of AVs through granting the first-ever commercial exemption for robotaxis and streamlining exemption processes. Additionally, these actions provide stakeholders with considerable opportunities to engage with the agency and shape the AV legal framework. This alert provides an overview of each action and takeaways for AV developers and industry stakeholders. 

Starting in June 2027, California’s “compostable” labeling standard will prohibit certain products from being labeled as “compostable,” even if they are ASTM-certified. This is particularly important considering California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which will require covered products to be either recyclable or compostable by 2032. Regulated entities should understand the contours of California’s “compostable” standard and begin developing internal mechanisms to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected production pauses or enforcement actions.