The resolution declares an emergency regarding the need to amend the Autonomous Vehicle Act of 2012 to ensure that driverless testing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on District roadways is conducted only with an AV testing permit. It mandates that any person or entity testing AVs with a test operator must notify the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) before an AV testing permit becomes available. This emergency declaration is necessary due to the impending expiration of previous emergency and temporary legislation that currently governs AV testing, which is set to expire on March 24, 2025.

The resolution highlights that without the provisions of the existing emergency and temporary legislation, DDOT would lack the necessary oversight to manage AV operations effectively, posing safety risks for all roadway users. The Council emphasizes the urgency of adopting this resolution to prevent a legal gap that could arise between the expiration of the current emergency legislation and the effective date of the forthcoming temporary and permanent laws. The resolution is set to take effect immediately upon adoption.