Assembly Bill 848 establishes an Autonomous Driving Safety Board within the Department of Transportation to oversee the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways in Wisconsin. The board will consist of six members appointed by various legislative leaders and the governor, serving three-year terms. To operate an autonomous vehicle, individuals must apply for a permit from the board, which requires them to title and register their vehicles, provide proof of financial responsibility for any damages, and submit information on how emergency services should interact with their vehicles. The board has the authority to approve or deny permit applications and can suspend permits if the operation poses an unreasonable risk to public safety.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for permit holders, including annual reporting on safety and traffic operations, and establishes penalties for operating an autonomous vehicle without a valid permit, which could result in a forfeiture of up to $1,000. The bill also defines key terms related to autonomous vehicles and their operation, including the classifications of automated driving systems. Notably, the board cannot approve the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways that are part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.