The bill establishes new requirements for the operation and testing of autonomous vehicles in Washington State. It mandates that all autonomous vehicles registered in the state must comply with federal standards and regulations. A key provision is that a human safety operator must be present in the vehicle while it is being operated on public highways, ensuring that they can monitor the vehicle's performance and intervene if necessary. The bill also defines "autonomous vehicle" and "human safety operator," specifying the levels of automated driving systems that qualify as autonomous.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding the testing of autonomous vehicles on public roadways. It requires self-certifying entities to provide detailed information to the Department of Transportation, including vehicle identification numbers, insurance proof, and notifications of any collisions or moving violations during testing. The bill also stipulates that testing cannot commence until the requirements outlined in the new section are met, and it allows the department to charge a fee for the administration of the self-certification testing pilot program. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance safety and accountability in the operation of autonomous vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.92.010