HB 1562 Summary

• Adds definitions for "human operator," "remote operator," and "on-demand driverless capable vehicle network" to Arkansas autonomous vehicle law.

• Requires autonomous vehicle pilot programs to comply with federal motor carrier liability insurance standards (49 C.F.R. § 387.9 as of January 1, 2021) and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (49 C.F.R. Part 571).

• Permits operation of fully autonomous vehicles without certain equipment including seat belts (unless transporting persons), steering wheels, or rearview mirrors, with a maximum of three autonomous vehicles operating simultaneously.

• Establishes that human operators and remote operators of autonomous vehicles must have valid driver's licenses for the vehicle class being operated.

• Exempts original vehicle manufacturers from liability when a third party converts a vehicle into an autonomous vehicle, while liability for accidents follows applicable state or federal law.