The Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026 establishes a regulatory framework for the safe deployment of commercial autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the District of Columbia. It creates a Commercial Autonomous Vehicle Program within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to issue permits to applicants who demonstrate a history of safe testing. To qualify for a permit, applicants must provide documentation such as a first responder interaction plan and a continuity of operations plan. The bill outlines a phased timeline for deployment, allowing for driverless testing permits to be issued within 60 days and commercial AV permits within 120 days, with an initial fleet size limit of 200 vehicles until January 1, 2028. It also introduces a vehicle miles traveled tax for commercial AV operators and mandates that manufacturers of higher-level autonomous systems register their products with DDOT.

Additionally, the bill amends the D.C. Official Code to include new regulations for AVs operating under commercial permits, such as requiring the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) to conduct hearings on enforcement actions within 90 days and dismiss notices of intent if the permittee's operations do not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety. It establishes liability provisions that hold autonomous driving system manufacturers primarily liable for violations or damages when their systems are engaged. The legislation also includes penalties for non-compliance with registration and insurance requirements, with fines directed to the newly created Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Fund, which will support public transit infrastructure and workforce development for those affected by AV deployment. Overall, the bill aims to ensure public safety while facilitating the integration of AVs into the transportation system.