BILL NUMBER: S344B
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to autonomous
vehicle driving
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to establish a regulatory framework allowing
for the intevration of autonomous vehicles.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 creates a new article 34-e to the vehicle and traffic law
which: defines various terms; authorizes the operation of a fully auton-
omous vehicle without a human driver provided that the automated driving
system is engaged, and the vehicle meets certain conditions; clarifies
that the automated driving system is the driver and operator of the
vehicle; requires adequate proof of insurance; defines the duties of the
owner of the vehicle in the event of a crash; authorizes the use of an
on-demand autonomous vehicle network; requires proper registration and
title for fully autonomous vehicles; clarifies that state law is the
sole controlling authority over fully autonomous vehicles, and that the
department of motor vehicles is the sole and exclusive state agency that
may implement this article; and delineates the operation of a motor
vehicle with an automated driving system by a human driver.
Section 2 adds a new section 383-a to the vehicle and traffic law which
exempts fully autonomous vehicles from motor vehicle equipment laws or
regulations which only relate to operation by a human driver and are not
relevant for an automated driving system.
Section 3 adds a new section 301-c to the vehicle and traffic law which
brings inspection requirements for these vehicles in conformance with
the equipment standards in section 383-a.
Section 4 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported
that 38,680 individuals died in vehicular crashes, which is the highest
total in more than 14 years. According to the Institute for Traffic
Safety Management and Research, there was an increase in deaths result-
ing from motor vehicle accidents in New York in 2020, up from 2019.
Nearly 40% of these fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents in
New York were caused by alcohol or drug-related impairments. Addi-
tionally, from 2020 to 2021, there was an 11% increase in non-fatal
crashes in New York. Autonomous Vehicle technology is one solution that
can help reduce the number of traffic fatalities and collisions due to
human factors such as distraction, exhaustion, and intoxication.
This legislation creates a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles
to be commercially deployed in the State of New York by detailing
requirements for: the safe operation of a fully autonomous vehicle with
and without a human driver, licensing and insurance requirements for
autonomous vehicles, duties following a potential collision involving an
autonomous vehicle, and integration into an on-demand autonomous vehicle
network.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: A539B- Referred to Transportation; S1012B- Referred to Trans-
portation
2021-2022: A9705Referred to transportation; S8468Referred to transporta-
tion
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill will have no fiscal impact on the State or local government.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.