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Provides that a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the public roads of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets certain conditions; defines terms; requires insurance and that such vehicle is registered as a fully…
In one paragraph
New York's A 4901-B (same as S 344-B) would add Article 34-E to the Vehicle and Traffic Law, letting a person operate a fully autonomous vehicle (gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less) on public roads without a human driver if the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle can reach a minimal risk condition after a system failure. Operators would need to file insurance proof and a law enforcement interaction plan, and registration and title would be marked as fully autonomous. Referred to the Transportation Committee; amended and recommitted April 24, 2026. It has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill is pending. If enacted, makers and operators of driverless vehicles would need insurance, a law enforcement plan and special registration; large-city robotaxi networks would owe surcharges.
Key provisions
- Would add Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 34-E (§§ 1290-1298), §§ 383-a and 301-c
- Fully autonomous vehicle: gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, an automated driving system designed to work without a human driver, and two distinct sensing modalities that can track obstacles if the camera system fails
- A person could operate such a vehicle without a human driver if the system is engaged, it can achieve a minimal risk condition after a system failure, it can follow state traffic and safety laws when reasonable (unless the DMV grants an exemption), and it bears any federal certification label required
- Before driverless operation, a law enforcement interaction plan would go to the DMV, covering contact with a fleet support specialist, safe removal and towing, recognizing autonomous mode, and any other hazard information
- The owner would be liable for traffic violations committed while the system is engaged, through a notice of liability sent by first class mail; the automated driving system would be treated as the licensed driver
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance or self-insurance under Article 6) would be required before operating; owners would have to report crashes under Article 22 and the vehicle would stay at the scene when required
- An on-demand autonomous vehicle network would operate under the rules for transportation network companies, taxis and for-hire transportation; in a city of five million or more it would pay a $5 million start-up surcharge and then $1 million a year, used for workforce training of taxi and limousine licensees
- The article would govern these vehicles exclusively, preempting other state and local rules, except that a city of five million or more could set its own local rules; effective on the ninetieth day after it becomes law
Latest legislative action
Apr 24, 2026. print number 4901b
Sponsors (showing 5 of 20)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Stirpe D | Sponsor | HD-127 |
| Andrew Hevesi D | Sponsor | HD-028 |
| Anil Beephan R | Sponsor | HD-105 |
| Brian Cunningham D | Sponsor | HD-043 |
| Christopher Eachus D | Sponsor | HD-099 |
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