Resolution on Autonomous Vehicle Legislation and Regulation Exposed

{Infobox ALEC Bills |bill_title = Resolution on Autonomous Vehicle Legislation and Regulation |date_introduced = |date_reviewed = |date_finalized = |date_amended = January 9, 2014 |date_accessed = May 14, 2018 |type = Model Resolution |status = Final |task_forces = Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development |keywords = Transportation, Autonomous Vehicles, Regulations |notes = }}

Summary

This resolution holds that autonomous vehicle research, development, testing, and operational functionality should not be impaired by unnecessary legislative or regulatory intervention.

Resolution on Autonomous Vehicle Legislation and Regulation

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles are motor vehicles equipped with technology that has the capability to direct a vehicle without real-time input or monitoring by a human operator.

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles greatly reduce human interaction with the direction of motor vehicles.

WHEREAS, human error is a factor in approximately 90 percent of motor vehicle accidents.

WHEREAS, human error is responsible for a significant portion of traffic congestion.

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles can greatly enhance transportation access for mobility-impaired populations such as the disabled, elderly, and youth.

WHEREAS, the states regulate the licensing and operations of motor vehicles while the federal government regulates highway vehicle safety.

WHEREAS, several states have enacted laws recognizing the legality of autonomous vehicles.

WHEREAS, the federal government is considering safety mandates regarding vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicle communications systems, whether vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure, remain in the early stages of development.

WHEREAS, requiring specific and unnecessary components or functions of nascent technologies will likely retard innovation and consumer availability.

WHEREAS, unduly discriminatory statutes or regulations with respect to the nature of insurance that shall be furnished for an autonomous vehicle should be avoided.

WHEREAS, lawmakers and regulators should avoid crafting statutes or regulations regarding autonomous vehicles which fail to distinguish between highway and non-highway vehicles.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that [insert state here] opposes the enactment of laws or promulgation of regulations that would restrict autonomous vehicle innovation.

Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors January 9, 2014.