Automated Vehicle Policy and Regulation: A State Perspective Workshop

The focus of this workshop is to identify key principles the states will need to make effective policy decisions to enable the safe operation of advanced automated vehicles (sometimes called autonomous, self-driving, or driverless vehicles) on their roadways. The current approach is unsystematic considering the huge impact this new technology will have on our roads. A few states permit testing of these vehicles either through legislation or order of the governor, while others are testing without this official approval. In the interim states are relying on their existing vehicle laws to govern automated and autonomous vehicle operations until appropriate policy and regulations are identified.

With this as background and point of departure, this workshop seeks to identify key principles that can provide a foundation for the common operation of automated vehicles across the states. This is critical to insure safe operations, efficient travel, and environmental benefits at the introduction of automated vehicles as well as to speed the deployment of future advances.