AEB: Automatic Emergency Braking Law Changes

What is AEB?

Automatic emergency braking, or AEB, is a system that allows a vehicle to apply the brakes autonomously when sensors detect a pedestrian or another vehicle in the way. These sensors must be capable of accurate detection both during the day and at nighttime and are intended to prevent or minimize damage caused by collisions.

AEB systems were first installed on luxury vehicles in 2000, though they were less advanced than AEB systems today. These days, almost all new vehicles include AEB by default, so many drivers already benefit from this feature.

Potential Flaws of AEB

Though AEB is applauded as a life-saving technology, it’s important for drivers to be aware that these systems are not flawless. Here are some of the ways an AEB system can be falsely activated or prevented from working altogether:

• Steep hills or driveways
• Shadows
• Parked cars or other roadside items (particularly on curves)
• Weather-related decrease in functionality (fog, heavy rain, snow, etc)

As technology continues to improve, we can expect these false activations to become less and less common -- newer cars are already less likely to falter than older cars with more basic AEB systems. Drivers must know, however, that AEB is not a replacement for careful, distraction-free driving.

What Will This Change?

According to the NHSTA, the implementation of mandatory AEB systems on all passenger vehicles will prevent 24,000 injuries and save at least 360 lives annually. Additionally, we can expect decreases in overall property damage costs as a result of fewer crashes as well.

When Will This Be Required?

Vehicle manufacturers selling cars in the U.S. must make AEB systems standard on all new passenger cars and light trucks by September 2029. Low-volume manufactures, alterers, and final-stage manufactures will have until September 2030. Light vehicles include any vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.

As far as larger vehicles such as tractor trailers go, an AEB requirement is expected to be announced, but the timeline has not yet been finalized.

As AEB technology continues to advance, the new standard will require vehicles to be able to safely implement emergency braking at faster speeds than most cars currently on the market are offering -- all cars must be able to stop at up to 62 miles per hour when a vehicle is detected in front of them. If a collision with another vehicle is imminent, the car must be able to stop at up to 90 miles per hour, and at up to 45 miles per hour when a pedestrian is detected -- in these cases, while the collision may not be entirely preventable, damage should be minimized by the rapid significant decrease in speed.

With how quickly AEB technology has already advanced, the NHTSA expects most manufacturers will be able to meet these requirements before the 2029 deadline arrives.

What Do I Need to Do?

Nothing. This law affects car manufacturers specifically, who must keep up with this new standard in order to continue selling their product within the United States. As a driver, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how AEB systems work, and if you plan to purchase a new vehicle in the next few years, be prepared for a few more sudden stops.