Multistate Coordination and Harmonization for AV Legislation

Over two-thirds of states in the U.S. have enacted automated vehicle (AV) legislation, an executive order regarding AVs, or both. AV laws and regulations may differ for licensing, registration, operator requirements, equipment, insurance, and platooning, among others. A consistent deployment framework for AV technology and AV regulations among state, local, and tribal territories is necessary so AVs can operate seamlessly.

NCHRP Legal Research Digest 91: Multistate Coordination and Harmonization for AV Legislation, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, provides guidance for multistate coordination and harmonization for AV legislation for Levels 3 through 5 vehicles. It also presents the legal issues and barriers to national harmonization of state AV laws and addresses the federal government’s role in AV legislation concerning deployment and the operation of a vehicle on public roads by members of the public who are not employees, contractors, or designees of a manufacturer or other testing entity.