DE SB258

Defines "autonomous technology" as technology capable of driving a vehicle without active physical control or monitoring by a human safety operator.

Defines "autonomous vehicle" as a motor vehicle equipped with autonomous technology meeting SAE International's J3016 Levels 3, 4, or 5 (as of July 2023), excluding vehicles with only driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist.

Requires a human safety operator to be physically present inside any autonomous vehicle weighing more than 10,001 pounds when operated on Delaware highways for testing, transporting goods, or transporting passengers.

Establishes penalties of $1,000 to $3,000 for first violations and $3,000 to $7,500 for subsequent violations within 3 years of a prior offense.