In one paragraph
Illinois's HB 1839 (104th General Assembly) would create the Safe Autonomous Vehicle Act. A motor vehicle manufacturer could start a safe autonomous vehicle project with an Automated Driving System after notifying the Secretary of State and self-certifying under certain conditions. The manufacturer would insure the fleet and assume liability when the system is at fault. Re-referred to the House Rules Committee on March 27, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Not law. Manufacturers running autonomous vehicle projects in Illinois would have to notify the State, keep incident records, insure the fleet and accept liability for system-at-fault incidents if enacted.
Key provisions
- Manufacturer could start a project with an Automated Driving System after notifying the Secretary of State and self-certifying under certain conditions
- Manufacturer would set the project's geographic boundaries and keep incident records, with periodic summaries to the Secretary of State and NHTSA
- Participating fleet would be insured by the manufacturer, who would assume liability where the automated driving system is at fault
- Operating a vehicle with automated driving system technology without meeting the eligibility requirements: $10,000 fine for a first violation; Class A misdemeanor for a second or later violation
- Would preempt home rule powers and take effect immediately
- Last action 3/27/2026: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (earlier: assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee 2/11/2026)
Latest legislative action
Mar 27, 2026. Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 27)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bill Cunningham D | Primary |
| Curtis J. Tarver, II | Primary |
| Jim Durkin | Primary |
| Kevin Joyce | Primary |
| Margaret Croke D | Primary |
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