Operation of autonomous vehicle

1. Law
2. Arkansas Code
3. Transportation
4. Motor Vehicular Traffic
5. Operation Of Vehicles — Rules Of The Road
6. Autonomous Vehicles
7. Operation of autonomous vehicle

1. (a)

   1. (1) An autonomous vehicle or a fully autonomous vehicle may be operated in this state under an autonomous vehicle pilot program approved by the State Highway Commission.

   2. (2) The autonomous vehicle pilot program is automatically approved sixty (60) days after the date the autonomous vehicle pilot program is submitted to the commission for approval.

2. (b) An autonomous vehicle pilot program shall include without limitation the following:

   1. (1) A statement of the commercial purpose of the autonomous vehicle pilot program;

   2. (2) The identification of any additional requirements for proof of insurance under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, § 27-19-101 et seq., and § 27-22-101 et seq.;

   3. (3) A statement acknowledging that:

      1. (A)

         1. (i) The autonomous vehicle or fully autonomous vehicle is capable of complying with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws of this state and rules adopted by the Office of Motor Vehicle, including without limitation the laws and rules concerning the capability to safely negotiate railroad crossings unless an exemption for the operation of autonomous vehicles or fully autonomous vehicles at railroad crossings is granted by the department.

         2. (ii) The department shall consult with railroad companies operating in the state when considering an exemption that affects the operation of autonomous vehicles or fully autonomous vehicles at railroad crossings;

      2. (B) The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of achieving a reasonably safe state if a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders the automated driving system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task; and

      3. (C) A fully autonomous vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident is capable of meeting the requirements of §§ 27-53-101, 27-53-102, and 27-53-105; and

   4. (4) A description of how a fully autonomous vehicle is capable of meeting the requirement of subdivision (b)(3)(C) of this section.

3. (c) For the purposes of this subchapter, a person may operate:

   1. (1) A fully autonomous vehicle that is not equipped with:

      1. (A) Seat belts;

      2. (B) A steering wheel; or

      3. (C) A rearview mirror; and

   2. (2) A maximum of three (3) autonomous vehicles or fully autonomous vehicles simultaneously on the streets and highways of this state.

4. (d) The commission shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this subchapter.

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