The Autonomous Vehicle Act establishes comprehensive safety requirements for the operation of autonomous motor vehicles on public highways in New Mexico. It mandates that a human operator must be present behind the wheel until 2036, ensuring they possess a valid driver's license and can take control of the vehicle at any time. The bill prohibits the operation of autonomous vehicles in specific areas, such as school and construction zones, and limits the use of autonomous commercial vehicles to testing purposes until further approval is obtained from the national highway traffic safety administration. Additionally, the legislation introduces new definitions related to autonomous vehicles to clarify terminology used throughout the bill.

The bill amends existing laws by requiring owners or operators of autonomous vehicles to notify the Department of Transportation five days prior to testing on public highways, providing details such as the vehicle's serial number and routes. It also establishes compliance with state and federal safety standards and prevents local governments from prohibiting testing based solely on automated driving systems. Furthermore, the bill introduces financial responsibility requirements, setting minimum coverage amounts for accidents involving autonomous vehicles, and creates a new endorsement for commercial driver's licenses specifically for operating autonomous commercial vehicles, which necessitates certification from the vehicle's automated driving system manufacturer. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-1-4.1, 66-1-4.5, 66-1-4.8, 66-7-12, 66-7-13, 66-5-65, 66-5-208