Autonomous vehicles greenlit by two states
Action taken at two statehouses in recent months authorizes the use of fully autonomous vehicles on state roadways. The rules also apply to commercial vehicles.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed into law a bill to permit vehicles with automated driving systems to operate on state roadways and highways.
Details of West Virginia rule
Previously HB4787, the new law already in effect authorizes a fully autonomous vehicle to operate without a human driver. The main requirement is that the automated driving system be engaged.
Prior to operation, a law enforcement interaction plan must be submitted to the state that shows how to communicate with a fleet “support specialist” who is available during the times of operation. Information also must be available about how to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway.
Additionally, law enforcement must be informed how to recognize whether the vehicle is in autonomous mode.
Proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles that the fully autonomous vehicle is covered by insurance must be submitted prior to operation.
If a wreck occurs, the vehicle must remain at the scene and the owner must report the incident.
Platoons of up to three vehicles would be permitted. Affected vehicles must travel only on limited access highways or interstate highways unless otherwise permitted by the Department of Transportation or the West Virginia Division of Highways.
Movement may be restricted for operational or safety reasons.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law a bill to create the framework for the state to regulate autonomous vehicles.
Previously SB1541, the new law authorizes a person to operate a fully autonomous vehicle without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets certain conditions outlined in the rule.
Prior to operating an autonomous vehicle on state roadways, a law enforcement interaction plan must be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The plan must show law enforcement how to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the times the vehicle is in operation.
Additionally, the plan must show how to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway, how to recognize whether the vehicle is in autonomous mode, proof of insurance coverage equal to at least $1 million, and any additional information the manufacturer or owner deems necessary.
Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said the rule allows the state to keep up with others in the region.
“Oklahoma is the only state on the I-40 corridor that isn’t already allowing AVs. That places our state at an economic and public safety disadvantage,” Rosino said in recent remarks. “This legislation will make sure we know who is operating AVs and make sure they have proper insurance and safety protocols.”
The new law takes effect on Nov. 1.
Driver shortage claim
Rosino highlighted the narrative of a truck driver shortage to tout the benefits of the new rule.
“We don’t have enough truck drivers as it is. If we don’t allow AVs, we’re still going to have supply-chain issues in our state and country,” Rosino stated. “These vehicles are safe, and this legislation will help our state take advantage of this technology as so many others are already doing.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association challenges driver shortage claims. Instead, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh says trucking suffers from overcapacity – too many trucks, trailers and drivers.
“Wages, working conditions, and rampant driver turnover are proof of this,” Pugh says.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, one House bill would allow for the driverless testing and deployment of highly autonomous vehicles.
A plan for operation on any highway in the state must be submitted to the state Department of Transportation for review prior to operation.
The bill details procedures following any traffic incidents that involve autonomous operation. Proof of insurance coverage equal to at least $1 million also would be required.
Platooning would be permitted with a driver in the lead vehicle and one nonlead vehicle would be permitted to operate with an automated driving system engaged.
A plan for general platoon operations must be filed with the state for review.
The bill, HB2398, is in the House Transportation Committee. LL