This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding autonomous vehicles. It introduces new definitions, such as "distinct roadway participant," "fallback-ready user," "near-miss event," and "vulnerable road user," which clarify the roles and interactions of various entities on the road. The bill also establishes requirements for operating autonomous vehicles, including the presence of a fallback-ready user, approval of operational design domains by the department, and the submission of detailed safety performance reports. Additionally, it mandates that autonomous vehicles continuously record operational data and outlines the conditions under which this data can be disclosed.

Furthermore, the bill deletes outdated language and modifies existing provisions to enhance safety and regulatory compliance. It establishes the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Fund, funded by civil penalties, to support safety testing, independent audits, and public education on autonomous vehicle safety. The bill also emphasizes the importance of independent third-party assessments for expanding service areas and requires manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with performance tests related to interactions with vulnerable road users. Overall, these updates aim to create a more comprehensive regulatory framework for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-9701, 28-9702, 28-9703, 28-9707, 28-9708, 28-9709, 28-9710, 28-9711, 28-9712, 28-5201, 35-146, 35-147