House Bill 1003 Summary

• Establishes the Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling (MS FAVE) Act of 2023 to authorize operation of fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4 or Level 5 SAE automation) on public roads without a human driver when the automated driving system is engaged.

• Requires operators to submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Department of Public Safety describing communication procedures, safe removal methods, autonomous mode recognition, and hazard information before operating fully autonomous vehicles.

• Designates the automated driving system as the legal driver/operator for traffic law compliance purposes and exempts fully autonomous vehicles designed exclusively for automated operation from certain vehicle equipment requirements.

• Requires fully autonomous vehicles to maintain financial responsibility (insurance or self-insurance) meeting existing motor vehicle liability standards and to be registered and titled with the Department of Revenue.

• Prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, and municipalities from restricting autonomous vehicle operations or imposing additional taxes, fees, or performance standards beyond state requirements.