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AR HB1561: To authorize the operation of autonomous vehicles or fully autonomous vehicles on the streets and highways of this state under an autonomous vehicle …

Effective Mar 14, 2019 Arkansas · 2019 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

HB1561 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Mar 14, 2019
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.
View full title

To authorize the operation of autonomous vehicles or fully autonomous vehicles on the streets and highways of this state under an autonomous vehicle pilot program

In one paragraph

Arkansas's HB 1561 (Act 468 of 2019) authorizes autonomous vehicles under a pilot program approved by the State Highway Commission. A program is approved automatically 60 days after submission and must state its commercial purpose, any insurance requirements, and that the vehicles can obey traffic laws, that a fully autonomous vehicle can reach a reasonably safe state if its automated driving system fails, and that it can meet crash-reporting duties. Fully autonomous vehicles, meaning SAE level 4 or 5, may run without seat belts, a steering wheel or a rearview mirror, and up to three vehicles may operate at once. It took effect on approval under an emergency clause.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Autonomous vehicle and delivery companies could start Arkansas pilots by filing a program with the Highway Commission, limited to three vehicles at once.

Key provisions

  1. Ark. Code 27-51-1410: defines automated driving system, autonomous vehicle, fully autonomous vehicle (SAE level 4 or 5), minimal risk condition and operational design domain
  2. Autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles may operate under a pilot program approved by the State Highway Commission; a program is approved automatically 60 days after submission
  3. A program must state its commercial purpose, insurance requirements, and that vehicles can obey traffic laws, reach a reasonably safe state on system failure and meet crash duties under 27-53-101, -102 and -105
  4. A fully autonomous vehicle may lack seat belts, a steering wheel or a rearview mirror; at most three vehicles may operate simultaneously
  5. Emergency clause: effective on approval by the Governor (March 14, 2019)

Latest legislative action

Mar 14, 2019. Approved by the Governor; Act 468

Topics and industries

Related topics

Autonomous Vehicles

Affected industries

TransportationTechnology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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