Bill > H3669

This bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish new safety requirements for autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) registered in the state. Specifically, the bill mandates that autonomous vehicles must continue to comply with all existing federal motor vehicle standards and regulations. The legislation introduces a key safety provision requiring a human safety operator to be physically present in the vehicle during operation, with the ability to monitor the vehicle's performance and intervene if needed, such as taking control of the vehicle or shutting it down. The human safety operator must also meet all state and federal qualifications for both automated and non-automated vehicle operation. This requirement applies to any autonomous vehicle engaged in passenger transportation or goods transportation, effectively preventing fully driverless operation on Massachusetts roads and ensuring that a trained human is always ready to take control of the vehicle if an autonomous system encounters difficulties.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3669