Bill > SB670

This bill establishes regulations for the commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles (FAVs) in Virginia, defining terms like "automated driving system" (the hardware and software that allows a vehicle to drive itself) and "dynamic driving task" (all the real-time functions needed to operate a vehicle). It permits FAVs to transport property or passengers for commercial purposes without a human driver, provided the operator obtains an "autonomous operation certificate" from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the vehicle meets specific safety requirements, including achieving a "minimal risk condition" (a safe state) if the automated system fails. The bill also mandates a law-enforcement interaction plan, requires accessible user interfaces for passengers with disabilities, and sets financial responsibility requirements, including at least $1 million in liability coverage for FAVs. Furthermore, it clarifies that FAVs will be treated similarly to transportation network companies, like Uber or Lyft, for operational purposes, and introduces a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per offense for violations of these new regulations. The bill also amends existing law to expand the scope of a work group studying autonomous driving systems to include industry representatives, labor groups, and other stakeholders, and to require annual reporting on safety data and workforce impacts.