summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act. Provides that in order to commence an autonomous vehicle pilot project, a person must provide to the Department of Transportation a statement that sets forth the operational design domain for an autonomous vehicle pilot project. Provides that the operational design domain for an autonomous vehicle pilot project must be confined to counties having or exceeding a population of 1,000,000 individuals, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census, Sangamon County, or the counties of Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe. Allows the Department to authorize the statewide deployment of autonomous vehicles beyond the operational design domain after a period of 3 years following the effective date of the Act, as long as the Department determines the pilot projects conducted have demonstrated safety and operational readiness. Sets forth the conditions a person must meet to operate an autonomous vehicle on the public roads of the State with the automated driving system engaged. Requires a person to obtain authorization from the Department to operate an autonomous vehicle on the public roads of the State. Includes provisions regarding licensing, duties following crashes involving autonomous vehicles, registration and title, operation of a motor vehicle with an automated driving system by a human driver, vehicle equipment standards, evaluation data, the controlling authority, and home rule. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2029. Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act, which allows for the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, defined as vehicles with an automated driving system capable of performing the entire driving task (Level 4 or 5 under SAE J3016B standards). To begin a pilot project, companies must submit an "operational design domain" (ODD) to the Department of Transportation, which initially restricts testing to counties with over 1,000,000 residents, Sangamon County, or Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties. After three years, the Department can authorize statewide deployment if pilot projects demonstrate safety and readiness. The bill outlines conditions for operating autonomous vehicles, including requirements for the automated driving system to achieve a "minimal risk condition" or issue a "request to intervene" to a human driver in case of failure, proof of financial responsibility, and a first responder interaction plan. It clarifies that the automated driving system is considered the driver for legal compliance purposes and that autonomous vehicles will be registered and titled as such. The Act also addresses vehicle equipment standards, the processing of "evaluation data" (data collected for developing autonomous systems) with privacy protections, and designates the Department of Transportation as the sole authority for regulating autonomous vehicles, preempting home rule powers. The bill repeals itself on January 1, 2029, and makes conforming changes to other state laws.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/03/2026)
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