FMCSA Allows Autonomous Trucks to Use Warning Beacons Instead of Roadside Triangles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted a five-year exemption on October 7, 2026, allowing certain autonomous trucks to use flashing warning beacons instead of placing emergency triangles along the highway.

The exemption applies to Aurora Operations and other carriers operating Level 4 automated trucks that notify FMCSA before using the exemption. These vehicles can use cab-mounted warning beacons when stopped on or beside a highway.

FMCSA determined that the warning beacons are likely to provide safety equivalent to or greater than traditional roadside warning devices. The exemption remains in effect through October 7, 2031.

For regular CDL truck drivers, nothing changes. Drivers operating conventional trucks must still follow federal requirements for placing emergency warning devices during roadside stops.