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MD SB726: Vehicle Laws - Personal Delivery Devices - Standards and Requirements

Effective Jul 1, 2021 Maryland · 2021 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

SB726 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jul 1, 2021
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Maryland SB 726 (2021) authorizes personal delivery devices: powered devices up to 550 pounds, used mainly on shoulders, sidewalks and crosswalks to carry property and capable of navigating with or without the active control or monitoring of an individual. They need no registration, must yield and obey traffic and pedestrian controls, are capped at 7 mph on sidewalks and crosswalks, and need ID markings, a controlled-stop system, lights and $100,000 of liability coverage. Operators file emergency response plans with the MVA and notify localities. Section 1 takes effect July 1, 2022; the rest July 1, 2021.

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

What it means for business

Delivery-robot companies may operate autonomous sidewalk devices in Maryland under equipment, insurance and notice rules.

Key provisions

  1. Transportation 21-104.5: personal delivery device capable of navigating with or without active control or monitoring; up to 550 pounds
  2. Operator: entity exercising active or passive control or monitoring of the navigation system
  3. No registration; may not use roadways with sidewalks or shoulders or over 35 mph; 7 mph cap on sidewalks and crosswalks
  4. ID numbers (including Braille), controlled-stop system, lights and $100,000 liability coverage required
  5. Emergency response plan filed with the MVA; 30 days' notice to localities; MVA permitting pilot

Latest legislative action

May 18, 2021. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 351

Topics and industries

Related topics

Autonomous Vehicles

Affected industries

TransportationConsumer ProtectionTechnology

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

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Same topic in other states

Indiana HB1072 Personal delivery devices Arkansas HB1767 To allow the operation of a personal delivery device in pedestrian areas and cer Idaho H0528 TRANSPORTATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding personal del Oklahoma SB706 Personal delivery devices; authorizing certain use; limiting certain jurisdictio Georgia HB1009 Motor vehicles; use of personal delivery devices to transport cargo; authorize Virginia SB758 Electric personal delivery devices; operation on sidewalks, shared-use paths, et