Bill > SB113

This bill establishes a new category of vehicles called "autonomous vehicles," defined as motor vehicles equipped with "autonomous technology," which is any system that allows a vehicle to drive without direct human control or monitoring, excluding standard driver assistance features like cruise control or lane keeping unless they enable full autonomous operation. The bill outlines requirements for these autonomous vehicles, mandating that they meet federal standards, have accessible controls to engage and disengage autonomous mode, visually indicate when operating autonomously, alert the human operator to take control if a failure is detected, and be capable of following all traffic laws. It permits the testing of these vehicles on public roads by manufacturers or their designees, requiring a licensed human operator to be present and ready to intervene unless testing on a closed course, and mandates a $5 million insurance or surety bond for testing. Importantly, the bill shields original vehicle manufacturers from liability for defects arising from third-party conversions to autonomous technology, unless they were involved in the conversion or the defect existed from the original manufacturing. Finally, it grants the commissioner of driver services the authority to create further rules and regulations for autonomous vehicle operation and safety, with penalties for violations not exceeding $1,000.