An AV Policy Task Force in Pennsylvania has put forth policy for public comment. The Task Force recommends the following:
Testers of highly automated vehicles (HAVs) must submit testing proposals to PennDOT and enter contracts attesting that the vehicles meet all federal and state safety standards and meet the policies adopted by PennDOT.
PennDOT has to be notified prior to any HAV being used without an operator in fully self-driving mode.
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may temporarily restrict HAVs from certain routes. Otherwise, HAVs may be tested on any road in the state. Municipalities can also ask PennDOT to temporarily restrict HAVs on local routes.
Platooning of HAVs will be restricted to two commercial or three passenger vehicles. However, testers can ask to use more HAVs in platooning, but PennDOT can ask for a safety demonstration first.
The HAVs must be able to record data that can be used to investigate crashes involving the HAVs. PennDOT will have access to the data.
Testers must certify that cybersecurity protections are in place for the HAVs.
PennDOT will collect data on total miles operated by HAVs, total number of hours of operation, and size of HAV fleets. PennDOT may also ask for other information such as counties where HAVs are being tested and percentage of testing done on limited access highways. PennDOT can also ask for information about the economic impact of HAV testing.
PennDOT and State Police will make annual reports on HAV testing to the Legislature.
A public meeting on the policy was held December 12, 2016. For additional information, see the PennDot AV website.