Bill > H4321

This bill amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws by adding a new section to define and regulate autonomous vehicles, which are defined as vehicles equipped with "autonomous technology" capable of driving without human control or monitoring, excluding vehicles with only advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist. The bill mandates that registered autonomous vehicles must meet federal standards and include features such as an easily accessible way to engage/disengage autonomous mode, a visual indicator when in autonomous mode, an alert system for technology failures requiring human intervention, and the ability to comply with state traffic laws. It clarifies that federal regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will take precedence over state law if there's a conflict. The bill permits manufacturers or their agents to test autonomous vehicles on state roads with a human operator present to monitor and intervene, unless testing on a closed course, and requires a $5,000,000 insurance or surety bond for such testing. It also shields original vehicle manufacturers from liability for defects caused by third-party conversions to autonomous vehicles, unless the defect existed in the original manufacturing. Finally, it directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to report by March 1, 2017, on any further legislative or regulatory actions needed for the safe testing and operation of these vehicles, and grants the department the authority to create rules and regulations for their implementation, including additional safety standards and operational restrictions.