Bill > SB0292

This bill amends Utah law to define and regulate vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS), which are systems that can perform the entire driving task. It clarifies definitions for various levels of ADS and introduces new provisions for product liability related to these vehicles. Specifically, it establishes that when an ADS is operating a vehicle, the ADS itself is considered the operator and is responsible for compliant operation, not requiring a license. The bill also introduces limitations on awards for non-economic losses (like pain and suffering) for "ADS-dedicated vehicles" (vehicles designed to be operated exclusively by an ADS), capping them at $1 million, with exceptions for wrongful death claims, and prohibiting punitive damages. For incidents involving driverless operation of ADS-dedicated vehicles, the bill creates an exclusive civil remedy with a total recovery limit of $100,000, and it limits the liability of manufacturers and developers of level four and five ADS to specific product liability claims, preventing ordinary negligence claims against them. Additionally, the bill sets a higher burden of proof for plaintiffs alleging defects in ADS operation, requiring them to show a reasonable alternative design existed and that the ADS causes more injuries overall than human drivers. Several provisions related to these limitations on liability for automated driving systems are set to be repealed on July 1, 2030, indicating a potential sunset clause for these specific regulations.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0292.html