Truck Platooning Policy Barriers Study

Windover, Paul; Owens, Russell; Roy, Bryan · 2018 · ROSA P / New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

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Summary

This study, conducted by Energetics Incorporated for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), investigates the technology readiness, commercialization timeline, and policy barriers associated with heavy-duty truck platooning in New York State. Truck platooning, defined as two or more vehicles traveling in close proximity to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase roadway throughput, offers potential fuel savings of up to 10% and improved safety. The research aimed to determine if regulatory frameworks could support the safe deployment of this technology, which was projected to be commercially available in the 2017–2018 timeframe. The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive literature review with interviews with industry experts. These experts included platooning technology developers, heavy truck manufacturers, third-party analysts, fleet end-users, and roadway operators. The study analyzed technology components, such as Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and assessed the operational perspectives of specific New York fleets, including Walmart and Mr. Bult’s Inc. The analysis also examined federal and state legislative landscapes to identify legal obstacles to deployment. Key findings indicate that while platooning technology is mature and ready for market, widespread adoption is hindered by regulatory delays and operational constraints. Technically, platooning requires longitudinal control (throttle and brake) and V2V communication, with lateral control (steering) needed for higher automation levels. Fleet interviews revealed strong interest in the technology for cost and safety benefits, but highlighted barriers such as scheduling mismatches and the need for inter-fleet platooning capabilities. Crucially, the study identified two specific New York State laws that impede near-term deployment: the requirement for drivers to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times, and subjective minimum following distance regulations that prohibit the close spacing necessary for platooning. No federal policies were found to prohibit platooning, though existing bills largely excluded heavy-duty vehicles. The report concludes that state-level rule changes are necessary to enable testing and deployment. It recommends amending New York’s following distance laws to allow closer spacing when inter-vehicle communication ensures synchronized control, citing precedents in states like Nevada and Michigan. Additionally, it suggests updating the "hand on the wheel" statute to accommodate automated steering functions. The study provides specific legislative wording and references to other states’ approaches to guide policymakers in removing these barriers, thereby facilitating the economic and safety benefits of truck platooning in New York.

Key finding

Two existing New York State laws negatively impact near-term heavy-duty truck platooning use: the requirement for at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times and the subjective minimum following distance regulations.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• truck driver fatigue