AI Frontier Institute

Automated driving systems; requirements for operation, civil penalties, report.

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Virginia House Bill 1125 creates a new Chapter 14.2 (sections 46.2-1419 through 46.2-1429) in Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to govern the commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) on Commonwealth highways. Section 46.2-1419 defines key terms including 'automated driving system,' 'fully autonomous vehicle' (a Level 4 or 5 system under SAE J3016), 'remote operator,' and 'on-demand autonomous vehicle network.' Section 46.2-1420 limits the chapter's scope to AVs used for commercial transport of property or passengers. Section 46.2-1421 authorizes driverless commercial AV operation provided the vehicle: holds a Department-issued autonomous operation license; achieves a minimal risk condition on system failure; complies with Virginia traffic laws; carries required federal safety certification; is protected against cybersecurity threats; and, if remotely operated, has a licensed remote operator able to communicate with occupants in real time. Operators must also submit a law-enforcement interaction plan to DMV, VDOT, and State Police. Section 46.2-1422 requires autonomous operation licenses, proper titling and registration, and treats the ADS—or an active remote operator—as the legal driver for compliance purposes. Section 46.2-1423 sets financial responsibility minimums, including at least $1 million combined single-limit liability per occurrence when the ADS is engaged. Section 46.2-1424 permits on-demand AV networks to operate similarly to transportation network companies under Chapter 20 but exempts them from common-carrier requirements. Section 46.2-1425 addresses fully autonomous commercial motor vehicles, requiring compliance with applicable federal and state commercial motor vehicle rules. Section 46.2-1426 exempts AVs designed exclusively for ADS operation from human-driver equipment standards that do not apply to automated systems. Section 46.2-1427 requires AVs and license holders to fulfill post-crash reporting duties. Section 46.2-1428 establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per offense and a notice-and-cure process for suspension or revocation of autonomous operation licenses, with administrative appeal rights and a 60-day hearing deadline. Section 46.2-1429 preempts local regulation of AV operation while keeping AVs subject to local ordinances applicable to comparable human-driven vehicles. The bill directs DMV to promulgate implementing regulations.

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