Bill > HB582

This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish a pilot program for the use of autonomous truck-mounted attenuators (ATMAs) in mobile work zones, which are defined as areas where continuous or intermittent multi-vehicle operations advance at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less for highway maintenance or construction, such as roadway striping or pothole repair. During this pilot program, ATMAs can operate in autonomous mode within active mobile work zones on state-maintained highways, provided they are in a leader-follower configuration and continuously monitored by a remote operator who can visually observe and control the vehicle. A human driver is not required to be physically present in the ATMA while it's in autonomous mode within these work zones, but a human driver must operate the ATMA outside of active work zones, including during transport. Before deployment, ATMAs must successfully pass testing under a plan approved by the Department to ensure reliable operation. The Department is also required to submit an annual report on the pilot program's status and effectiveness to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation by December 1st each year. The provisions of this bill will expire on December 31, 2031.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB582