The personal delivery device legislation that passed last session (HB 1325) went into effect September 1.
A personal delivery device (PDD) is an electrically powered, semi-automated device weighing less than 120 pounds and intended primarily to transport property on a sidewalk or crosswalk at speeds of six miles per hour or less. Companies may operate a PDD after meeting certain conditions, including filing a self-certification form with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and paying a $50 per device fee. Companies must recertify annually and report any incidents resulting in personal injury or property damage that meets the accident reporting threshold for property damage under RCW 46.52.030(5).
What does this mean for law enforcement?
- You may begin to see these devices in your jurisdictions. DOL knows of two, possibly three companies ready to deploy devices.
- Companies will have to report incidents (per the law) to local law enforcement agencies and to DOL on an annual basis.
- DOL will maintain self-certification forms listing the unique identifiers that the company assigns to a device. These forms have personal information on them so you will need to go through public disclosure to request these.
- Devices will have the unique ID and responsible party information on it in case the device caused the incident and should be cited. The tickets will need to be mailed so the responsible party information must be included on the infraction.
- Tickets will be processed at the court in a similar matter as a parking ticket or photo enforced infraction.
- If a ticket is issued, the court should contact the Administrative Office of the Courts to get instructions on how to proceed with the ticket.
Although a designated website is not yet live, DOL is prepared to begin receiving the self-certification forms and payments. If you have questions please feel free to reach out to DOL at: autonomousvehicles@dol.wa.gov.