In one paragraph
Delaware's SB 46 would bar an autonomous vehicle that requires a Class A commercial driver license without an O restriction from operating on a Delaware highway for testing, transporting goods or transporting passengers unless a human safety operator is physically present in it. Violations would carry a fine of $1,000 to $3,000, and $3,000 to $7,500 for repeat offenses within 3 years. Passed the Senate March 20, 2025 (18-0, 3 absent); reported out of the House Transportation Committee May 14, 2025; not yet passed by the House.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, operators of driverless heavy trucks needing a Class A CDL in Delaware would have to keep a human safety operator aboard or face fines up to $7,500.
Key provisions
- Defines autonomous vehicle as a motor vehicle with autonomous technology at SAE J3016 levels 3, 4 or 5 (as of July 2023); vehicles with driver-assistance systems that cannot drive without a human's active control or monitoring are excluded
- Proposed 21 Del. C. § 4199D(a): such a vehicle requiring a Class A CDL without an O restriction could not operate on a highway for testing, transporting goods or transporting passengers without a human safety operator physically present
- A human safety operator would be physically inside the vehicle with immediate access to steering, braking and acceleration controls and hold a valid commercial driver license
- Fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $3,000; for each later offense within 3 years, $3,000 to $7,500; the registered owner is presumed to be the violator
- By January 1, 2030, and upon appropriation, the Department of Transportation would report to the General Assembly and Governor on the technology's safety and employment impact, with a recommendation on keeping, changing or removing the requirement
- Status: passed the Senate March 20, 2025; reported out of House Transportation Committee May 14, 2025; awaiting House action
Latest legislative action
May 14, 2025. Reported Out of Committee (Transportation) in House with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
Sponsors (showing 5 of 30)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Brian Pettyjohn R | Primary |
| Bryan Townsend D | Primary |
| Bryant L. Richardson R | Primary |
| Cyndie Romer D | Primary |
| Darius J. Brown D | Primary |
Roll call votes
2/3 Mar 20, 2025
18 yea0 nay3 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
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