AI Frontier Institute

Concerning the operation of autonomous motor vehicles.

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SB 6243 (Washington, 2026 Regular Session) has not been enacted. It was referred to the Transportation committee on 2026-01-20. If enacted, it would create a statewide framework for autonomous motor vehicles in new sections of chapter 46.92 RCW. Sec. 1 defines terms, including "automated driving system," and defines "autonomous motor vehicle" as a SAE J3016 level 3 (when engaged), 4, or 5 vehicle. Sec. 2 would allow operation with the system engaged if the vehicle can reach a minimal risk condition (or, at level 3, issue a request to intervene) after a system failure. The vehicle must also be able to follow traffic laws unless the department grants an exemption. It must carry the federal certification label when federal law requires one, and it must have liability insurance. The operator would also need a department authorization. To get one, the operator submits contact and vehicle information, a certification of compliance, and a first responder action plan. The department must approve a complete and accurate application, and the authorization does not expire unless it is suspended, revoked, or canceled. Sec. 3 treats the engaged system as the driver or operator and as licensed. The system operator or human driver may still receive a traffic infraction. Sec. 4 requires proof of financial responsibility before driverless operation. Sec. 5 covers staying at the scene and reporting collisions, and requires NHTSA standing general order reports to be given to the department within one day. Sec. 6 sets rules for on-demand autonomous vehicle networks: fare disclosure, electronic receipts, and limits on local licensing, permitting, reporting, and operational restrictions. Local taxes and fees must be equivalent to those charged to transportation network companies. Airports and ports keep limited fee and location authority. Sec. 7 requires registration and identification on the title as an autonomous vehicle. Sec. 8 allows operation of a vehicle with a full driving-task system. Sec. 9 lets autonomous commercial motor vehicles operate, with human-driver-only provisions not applying. Sec. 10 exempts driverless-only vehicles from equipment laws under chapter 46.37 RCW that support a human driver. Sec. 11 makes chapter 46.92 RCW the exclusive governing law, makes the department the sole state implementing agency, and bars state and local bans or added requirements. It preserves local authority over non-autonomous ride-hail and rights-of-way. Sec. 12 sets a process for the department to suspend, revoke, cancel, or restrict an authorization when a vehicle endangers the public. The process includes notice, a chance to correct the problem, review, and a hearing before an administrative law judge. If no hearing is held within 30 days, the authorization is reinstated automatically. Sec. 13 amends RCW 46.30.050 to require at least $1,000,000 per occurrence in liability coverage for driverless operation. It lets the insurance come from a Washington-licensed insurer or a licensed surplus line broker. It also bars higher limits solely because a vehicle uses an automated driving system. Sec. 14 repeals RCW 46.92.010, the self-certification testing pilot program. Sec. 15 sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

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