(1) A person may use an automated driving system to drive a motor vehicle or to control a function of a motor vehicle if the system is capable of complying with every state and federal law that applies to the function that the system is operating.
Any provision in articles 1 to 3 of this title 42 and this article 4 that by its natureregulates a human driver, including section 42-2-101, does not apply to an automated driving system, except for laws regulating the physical driving of a vehicle.
(a) If an automated driving system is not capable of complying with every state and federal law that applies to the function the system is operating, a person shall not test the system unless approved by the Colorado state patrol and the Colorado department of transportation, in accordance with a process overseen by the Colorado state patrol and the Colorado department of transportation.
(b) A person who violates this subsection (3) commits a class B traffic infraction. Upon determining that there is probable cause to believe that a motor vehicle was used to violate this subsection (3), a peace officer of the state patrol may impound or immobilize the motor vehicle until the person who violated this section has obtained the required approval in accordance with subsection (3)(a) of this section or signed an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating the person's intention to cease using the automated driving system in Colorado without the required approval.
The Colorado department of transportation shall report to the transportation legislation review committee by September 1 of each year, concerning the testing of automated driving systems in Colorado. The first report is due by September 1, 2018. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 24-1-136, the reporting requirement contained in this subsection (4) continues indefinitely.
Liability for a crash involving an automated driving system driving a motor vehiclethat is not under human control is determined in accordance with applicable state law, federal law, or common law.
Source: L. 2017: Entire section added, (SB 17-213), ch. 277, p. 1518, § 4, effective August 9.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-213, see section 1 of chapter 277, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.