Senate Bill 17-213 Summary

• Authorizes the use of automated driving systems (levels 4 and 5 automation per SAE International standard J3016) to operate motor vehicles in Colorado if capable of complying with all applicable state and federal traffic laws.

• Prohibits state agencies and local governments from adopting standards for automated driving systems that differ from standards applied to human drivers.

• Requires Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Transportation approval before testing automated driving systems that cannot comply with all applicable laws; violation is a Class B traffic infraction with vehicle impoundment authority.

• Mandates Colorado Department of Transportation to report annually to the Transportation Legislation Review Committee on automated driving system testing, beginning September 1, 2018.

• Establishes that liability for crashes involving automated driving systems is determined under applicable state law, federal law, or common law.