SB178 Summary

• Authorizes operation of autonomous motor vehicles on Alabama public roads, with each make and model requiring ALEA testing and approval before general use by non-licensed testers.

• Requires autonomous vehicles operated on public roads to carry liability insurance of at least $5,000,000 and be registered and licensed like standard motor vehicles.

• Establishes ALEA licensing for autonomous vehicle testers, requiring proof of 10,000+ miles of testing in various conditions, insurance coverage, technology demonstration, and submission of proposed testing locations.

• Mandates autonomous vehicles be equipped with data capture mechanisms, manual control switches, technology failure alerts, and requires at least two licensed drivers present during testing on public roads.

• Authorizes ALEA to create a driver's license endorsement with additional testing requirements for persons operating approved autonomous vehicles and to suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for safety violations or non-compliance with requirements.