SB47 Summary

• Authorizes autonomous commercial motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems to operate without a human driver if they comply with federal safety standards, are properly registered, maintain $2,000,000 in liability coverage, and can achieve a minimal risk condition upon system failure.

• Permits commercial motor vehicles with teleoperation systems to operate under remote driver control without a conventional driver present in the vehicle, with the remote driver held responsible for traffic violations and subject to the same licensing and DUI laws as conventional drivers.

• Establishes the Alabama Department of Transportation as the sole state agency with jurisdiction over autonomous and teleoperated commercial vehicles, prohibiting political subdivisions and other state agencies from imposing additional requirements or taxes.

• Requires vehicles to remain at accident scenes and vehicle owners or operators to contact law enforcement with required information, with automated systems deemed to fulfill accident reporting requirements through this notification.

• Preserves all existing liability provisions under common and statutory law for vehicle owners, operators, manufacturers, component suppliers, and retailers.