Bill > SB949

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for fully autonomous vehicles (FAVs) in Maryland, defining key technical terms like "automated driving system" and "dynamic driving task" while creating a framework for their legal operation. The legislation requires FAV operators to submit a detailed law enforcement interaction plan to the Motor Vehicle Administration before operating on state highways, specifying how to communicate with support specialists, safely remove the vehicle from the road, and recognize autonomous operation. The bill stipulates that for FAVs operating without a human driver, the automated driving system is considered the vehicle operator, legally responsible for compliance with traffic laws, and requires the vehicle to have safety mechanisms like achieving a "minimal risk condition" if the system fails. Transportation network and for-hire vehicle companies are permitted to use FAVs, and the bill explicitly prevents state agencies or local governments from prohibiting FAV operation on their roadways. The legislation, which will take effect on October 1, 2025, also mandates that FAV motor vehicle titles and registrations specifically identify the vehicle as a "fully autonomous vehicle" and establishes that a human driver must be ready to take control if the automated system requests intervention or cannot complete the driving task within its designed operational parameters.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0949?ys=2025RS