In one paragraph
Section 6 of D.C. Law 25-312, the PLAZA Act of 2024, amends the Autonomous Vehicle Act of 2012. No person or entity may test or operate an autonomous vehicle on a District roadway without an AV testing permit. Until DDOT makes the permit application available, testing is allowed only with a test operator ready to take over and with electronic notice to DDOT at least 10 business days ahead. DDOT may restrict testing for non-compliance, emergencies, special events or safety, reporting becomes quarterly, and the grandfather clause for earlier operators is repealed. The rest of the act is about public space, not AI.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
AV developers must notify DDOT and keep a safety operator aboard until permits open, then hold a permit, file quarterly reports and follow DDOT restrictions.
Key provisions
- D.C. Code 50-2352.01(d): a person or entity may not test or operate an autonomous vehicle on a District roadway without an AV testing permit
- Until DDOT offers the application, testing requires a test operator ready to take control and 10 business days' electronic notice to DDOT (vehicles, operators, locations, period)
- DDOT approval needed before increasing the number of vehicles tested
- DDOT may restrict testing on specific roadways or District-wide for non-compliance, emergencies, special events or safety concerns
- Reporting changes from semi-annual to quarterly and covers testers operating before permits are available
- Repeals D.C. Code 50-2352.05 (the preexisting-operator exception); penalties apply to any person or entity
Latest legislative action
Mar 21, 2025. D.C. Law 25-312 effective Mar. 21, 2025 (Act 25-715)
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
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