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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 S 344-B would add Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 34-E allowing a fully autonomous vehicle (10,000 pounds or less gross weight, with two distinct sensing modalities) to operate without a human driver while its automated driving system is engaged. Operators must file a law enforcement interaction plan with the DMV and show proof of insurance or self-insurance, and the owner is liable for traffic violations while the system is engaged. Amended and recommitted to Transportation May 6, 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, autonomous vehicle operators and networks would need DMV filings, insurance and registration, and owners would answer for traffic violations.
Key provisions
- Operation without a human driver allowed when the automated driving system is engaged, if it can reach a minimal risk condition after a failure and can comply with traffic laws when reasonable (unless the DMV grants an exemption)
- Before operating, file a law enforcement interaction plan with the DMV and submit proof of financial responsibility meeting Article 6
- Owner is liable for traffic and safety violations while the system is engaged; notices go by first-class mail from the municipality
- Vehicles must be registered and titled as fully autonomous; the automated driving system is treated as the licensed driver
- On-demand networks in a city of five million or more may not operate without paying a $5 million start-up surcharge, then $1 million annually
- The department is the sole state agency to implement the article; no state agency or local entity may impose taxes, fees or other requirements, including performance standards, specific to fully autonomous vehicle operation, except cities of five million or more may set local rules
- Takes effect the 90th day after becoming law; same-as Assembly A4901
Latest legislative action
May 6, 2026. amend and recommit to transportation
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Ryan D | Sponsor | SD-050 |
| James Skoufis D | Sponsor | SD-042 |
| Jeremy Cooney D | Sponsor | SD-056 |
| Lea Webb D | Sponsor | SD-052 |
Topics and industries
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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