As autonomous vehicles continue to be developed and tested, questions abound regarding safety, operations, and enforcement of the vehicles on public roadways. Sen. Matt Boehnke (R–Kennewick) has introduced legislation establishing the rules and regulations governing the operations of fully autonomous vehicles in Washington.

SB 5594 establishes that fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems are governed exclusively by the state and that the state Department of Licensing is the sole agency that may implement the proposed law. As written, no other governing body, including cities, may prohibit the operation of fully autonomous vehicles, or impose upon them taxes, fees, or other requirements.

The bill outlines the conditions under which people may operate fully autonomous vehicles without a human driver on the state’s public roadways. It also defines terminology related to automated driving systems, vehicles, and their operators, given the highly technical nature of the subject. Of note, the bill stipulates that when the automated driving system is engaged, the automated driving system is considered the driver or operator, for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws.

The bill outlines several regulatory elements, including:

• Compliance with traffic and motor vehicle safety laws
• Requirements for the vehicle in the event of an accident or collision
• Operational safety planning
• Communication with law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the areas in which a vehicle will operate

Noting that fully autonomous vehicles may soon be more prevalent on the roads, AWC opposes any preemption that would limit cities’ ability to appropriately regulate vehicles within their jurisdictions.

If your city has feedback to share about this bill, please contact AWC staff.

Date to remember

SB 5594 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 7 at 4 pm.