Bill > H3129

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for personal delivery devices (PDDs) in South Carolina, defining them as electrically powered, automated cargo transportation devices weighing under 150 pounds. The legislation allows business entities to operate PDDs in pedestrian areas like sidewalks and crosswalks, subject to specific operational requirements, including remote monitoring by an operator at least 16 years old, speed limitations (8 mph normally, 10 mph for emergencies), and mandatory compliance with traffic and pedestrian rules. PDDs must yield to pedestrians, remain clearly identifiable with owner contact information, have functional braking systems, and carry nighttime visibility lights. Operators are prohibited from using PDDs on roads except to cross at designated crosswalks, and are forbidden from transporting hazardous materials. Local governments can regulate the time and place of PDD operation but cannot outright ban them. Business entities operating PDDs must maintain a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance. Notably, the bill's provisions are set to be automatically repealed three years after enactment, suggesting a potential trial period to assess the technology's practical implementation and safety. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval, providing a structured framework for integrating these emerging autonomous delivery technologies into South Carolina's transportation landscape.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3129&session=126&summary=B