HB 1543 Summary

• Creates chapter 39-10.4 of North Dakota Century Code to regulate autonomous vehicles, defining "autonomous technology" as vehicle capability to operate without active human control or monitoring, excluding standard driver assistance systems.

• Requires persons testing autonomous vehicles on state highways to obtain $2 million in insurance coverage or post a $2 million surety bond with the department.

• Mandates that vehicle operators remain seated in position to take manual control, continuously monitor vehicle operation, and be capable of immediate intervention in case of autonomous technology failure or emergency.

• Requires autonomous vehicles to be equipped with engage/disengage controls, visual indicators showing when autonomous technology is operating, failure alerts to the operator, and compliance with all applicable motor vehicle and traffic laws.

• Exempts vehicle manufacturers from liability for damages caused by third-party conversions to autonomous vehicles unless the defect existed in the originally manufactured vehicle, and authorizes the department to adopt rules establishing minimum safety standards, geographic testing restrictions, and a driver's license endorsement for autonomous vehicle operation.