Citation

Hubbard SML. Transp. Res. Rec. 2018; 2672(7): 1-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0361198118774155

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper provides a synthesis of issues addressed by state legislation in relation to automated vehicles (AV); technologies are rapidly evolving and many states have developed legislation to govern AV testing and deployment and assure safety on public roads. The expected benefits of AV include increased safety, increased capacity, decreased congestion, increased productivity because of hands-free travel, and increased mobility for people who cannot drive. The projected economic impact of AV is significant, with an estimated market of $7 trillion by 2050. Potential challenges include increased costs, liability and licensing issues, privacy considerations, security and cybersecurity concerns, and potential job losses. Legislative responses to AV technology have varied significantly, depending on the state. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation related to AV, and six states have executive orders. Even after federal AV legislation is passed, there will still be an important role for states in AV licensure, registration, insurance, traffic laws, enforcement, infrastructure, and emergency response. The objective of this research is to identify and synthesize current state legislation related to AV, which shows diverse responses and has led to a patchwork of operating conditions from state to state. The information presented in this paper provides important information as agencies and decision makers develop strategic plans for AV activities at every level, and serves an important function by documenting the evolution of issues related to AV which is an important part of transportation history.

Language: en