FL H1207: Vehicles with Autonomous Technology

In one paragraph

Florida's CS/HB 1207 (2012) defines an autonomous vehicle as one equipped with technology that can drive without active human control or monitoring, lets a person with a valid driver license operate one in autonomous mode (that person is the operator), sets equipment standards for registration, and permits testing by manufacturers' designees with a human monitor (except on a closed course) after proof of $5 million in insurance. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must report to the Legislature by February 12, 2014. Approved April 13, 2012 (Chapter 2012-111); effective July 1, 2012.

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

What it means for business

Manufacturers testing autonomous vehicles in Florida must have a human monitor (off closed courses) and file $5 million proof of insurance with DHSMV; registered vehicles must meet the equipment standards.

Key provisions

1. 1Defined "autonomous vehicle" (s. 316.003) as any vehicle equipped with autonomous technology that can drive the vehicle without active human control or monitoring
2. 2A person with a valid driver license may operate an autonomous vehicle in autonomous mode; the person who causes the technology to engage is the operator whether or not present (s. 316.85)
3. 3Registered autonomous vehicles must meet federal motor vehicle standards and have a way to engage and disengage the technology, a visual indicator of autonomous mode, and a failure alert prompting the operator to take control (s. 319.145)
4. 4Testing on Florida roads by manufacturers' employees, contractors or designees requires a human operator able to monitor and intervene, except on a closed course, and $5 million in insurance, surety bond or self-insurance submitted to DHSMV (uncodified section 5)
5. 5A manufacturer is not liable for defects caused by a third-party conversion unless the defect existed as originally manufactured
6. 6DHSMV must give the Senate President and House Speaker recommendations on testing and operation by February 12, 2014
7. 7Passed the House 112-0 and the Senate 40-0; approved April 13, 2012 (Chapter No. 2012-111); effective July 1, 2012

Latest legislative action

Apr 16, 2012. Chapter No. 2012-111 (approved by Governor 4/13/2012)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 13)

Roll call votes