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AI Summary
This bill mandates that autonomous vehicles requiring a Class A commercial driver license must have a human operator present during operation.
Business Impact
If you operate autonomous vehicles in Delaware, you must ensure a human safety operator is present or face fines up to $7,500.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Senate Bill 46 in Delaware addresses the operation of autonomous vehicles by requiring a human safety operator for those needing a Class A commercial driver license. This regulation aims to ensure safety during testing and operation, impacting businesses involved in transportation and logistics. The bill outlines penalties for non-compliance and sets a framework for evaluating the technology's impact on public safety and employment.
Key Provisions
- Defines 'autonomous technology' and 'autonomous vehicle' based on SAE levels of automation.
- Requires a human safety operator for certain autonomous vehicles during operation.
- Imposes fines for non-compliance ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.
- Mandates a report by the Department of Transportation on the impact of autonomous vehicles by January 1, 2030.
- Consultation with relevant departments on safety and job impacts is required.
- Clarifies that vehicles with driver assistance systems are not classified as autonomous vehicles.
Latest Legislative Action
Reported Out of Committee (Transportation) in House with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
Bill 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 Yea
0 Nay
3 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Ensure a human safety operator is present in autonomous vehicles during operation.
Who: Operators of autonomous vehicles requiring a Class A commercial driver license.
Penalty: Fines of $1,000 to $7,500 for non-compliance.
Who: Operators of autonomous vehicles requiring a Class A commercial driver license.
Penalty: Fines of $1,000 to $7,500 for non-compliance.
Prepare for the Department of Transportation's report on autonomous vehicle performance.
Who: Department of Transportation.
Deadline: By January 1, 2030.
Who: Department of Transportation.
Deadline: By January 1, 2030.
Full Legal Analysis
Senate Bill 46 amends Title 21 of the Delaware Code to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles that require a Class A commercial driver license without an O restriction. The bill prohibits these vehicles from being operated on Delaware highways for testing, transporting goods, or passengers without a human safety operator present. Violators face fines ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 for subsequent offenses. Key definitions include 'autonomous technology' and 'human safety operator,' clarifying the scope of the regulation. The bill also mandates a report by January 1, 2030, evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle technology and its implications for public safety and employment, which will inform future legislative decisions regarding the requirement for a human operator.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB46 on official legislature website →
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