§ 27-51-2002 — Operation of autonomous vehicle

(a) An autonomous vehicle or a fully autonomous vehicle may be operated in this state under an autonomous vehicle program approved by the State Highway Commission. (b) An autonomous vehicle program shall include without limitation the following: (1) A statement of the commercial purpose of the autonomous vehicle program; (2) Proof that the autonomous vehicle program complies with the minimum liability insurance coverage requirements for a motor carrier of property under 49 C.F.R. § 387.9 as it existed on January 1, 2021; (3) A statement acknowledging that: (A) The autonomous vehicle or fully autonomous vehicle is capable of complying with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws of this state and rules adopted by the Office of Motor Vehicle, including without limitation the laws and rules concerning the capability to safely negotiate railroad crossings, if applicable; (B) The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders the automated driving system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task; (C) The autonomous vehicle or fully autonomous vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations, 49 C.F.R. Part 571, as it existed on January 1, 2021, for the vehicle's model year, except to the extent an exemption has been granted under applicable federal law, and all other applicable safety standards and performance requirements stated in state and federal law and rules adopted by the commission; and (D) The remote operator of a fully autonomous vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident is capable of meeting the requirements of §§ 27-53-101 , 27-53-102 , and 27-53-105 ; and (4) A description of how a fully autonomous vehicle is capable of meeting the requirements of subdivision (b)(3)(D) of this section. (c) For the purposes of this subchapter, a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle that is not equipped with: (1) Seat belts, unless transporting persons as required by § 27-37-701 et seq.; (2) A steering wheel; or (3) A rearview mirror. (d) An autonomous vehicle or fully autonomous vehicle shall be registered and titled as required under the Motor Vehicle Administration, Certificate of Title, and Antitheft Act, § 27-14-101 et seq.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 619,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1052,§ 1, eff. 4/16/2019. Added by Act 2019, No. 468,§ 1, eff. 3/14/2019.