Autonomous vehicle testing bill heads to Governor’s desk

HB 2676, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba (D–Kirkland), establishes minimum requirements for autonomous vehicle (AV) testing.

These requirements include:

• Providing contact information, information on testing locations, vehicle identification numbers, proof of insurance, and information on any traffic incidents and infractions on public roads;
• Obtaining an umbrella liability insurance policy that covers a minimum of $5 million per occurrence for damages by reason of bodily injury or death or property damage caused by AV; and
• Providing advanced notice to all law enforcement agencies that there will be testing of AVs on public roads in the agencies’ jurisdiction.

Under Governor Jay Inslee’s Executive Order (17-02), AV pilot programs must be operated with trained human operators that can direct the vehicle’s movement if assistance is required. The AVs tested must be compliant with all state motor vehicle laws relevant to the vehicle’s operational design limits.

The Autonomous Vehicle Work Group (established in 2018) is also tasked with developing policy recommendations to address the operation of AVs on public roadways in the state.

HB 2676 is one component of the broader efforts to prepare for the arrival of AVs. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.