NEMA Releases Connected Vehicle Infrastructure Standard to Make Roads Safer and Reduce Emissions

A vital component of the connected vehicle ecosystem is the ability for vehicles and infrastructure to communicate regardless of the type of device or underlying technology. NEMA’s Connected Vehicle Infrastructure – Roadside Equipment Standard (NEMA TS 40010-2024) facilitates better communication among over-the-air wireless safety messages, applications, and cybersecurity measures for our nation’s connected vehicles and the larger transportation ecosystem. The standard will provide better detection and warning systems for drivers when vulnerable road users such as pedestrians are present, reduce accidents and traffic congestion, and decrease carbon emissions.

One example of how connected vehicle technologies are improving roadway conditions can be found in Detroit, where the Michigan Department of Transportation is piloting sensors in vehicles that collect data about roads, and “signal preemption” that enhances communication between ambulances responding to emergencies and roadside controllers. NEMA will continue to work alongside transportation departments to ensure connected vehicle technologies are being integrated into everyday use.

NEMA’s Transportation Management Section developed this standard as a resource for transportation infrastructure owners and operators who procure the equipment for secure communications among vehicles, infrastructure, and personal devices.

“As we electrify and connect the transportation sector, NEMA’s standard will be a valuable tool to transportation leaders to inform their procurement decisions and improve communication on our roadways,” said Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President, Technical Affairs, NEMA. “Transportation infrastructure is a long-term investment, and today’s decisions will either accelerate or hit the brakes on the transition to an electric, connected transportation sector. Improving safety and reducing emissions is possible using today’s technology, but infrastructure owners and operators must make informed decisions grounded in industry standards like this one.”

NEMA’s standard contains key guidance that enables agencies and other transportation infrastructure owner/operators to procure and deploy connected vehicle roadside units to: 

• Reduce crashes and roadway fatalities as the highest priority 
• Reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and emissions 
• Provide automated vehicles with situational awareness to supplement onboard sensors 

The Connected Vehicle Infrastructure – Roadside Equipment Standard (NEMA TS 40010-2024) is available in NEMA’s Standard Store. 

National Electrical Manufacturers Association | www.nema.org