VA HB582: Autonomous truck-mounted attenuators; pilot program authorized.

In one paragraph

Virginia's HB 582 adds Code § 33.2-274.2, letting VDOT run a pilot of autonomous truck-mounted attenuators (ATMAs), the crash-cushion trucks that trail road crews, in mobile work zones moving at no more than 25 mph. In the pilot, ATMAs may drive in autonomous mode without a human driver aboard in active work zones on state-maintained highways, in a leader-follower setup watched by a remote operator who can steer or stop them; outside work zones a human must drive. Units must pass a VDOT-approved test plan. Expires December 31, 2031. Identical to SB 320; effective July 1, 2026.

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

What it means for business

Makers of autonomous truck-mounted attenuators: units in VDOT's pilot must pass a VDOT-approved test plan and run in leader-follower mode under a remote operator, with a human driver outside work zones.

Key provisions

1. 1New Code § 33.2-274.2: the Department of Transportation may establish a pilot program for autonomous truck-mounted attenuators (ATMAs) in mobile work zones
2. 2Mobile work zone: a continuous or intermittent multi-vehicle mobile operation moving at no more than 25 mph for highway maintenance or construction, such as striping, debris removal and pothole repair
3. 3In the pilot, ATMAs may run in autonomous mode in active mobile work zones on state-maintained highways, in a leader-follower configuration, continuously monitored by a remote operator who can see the surroundings and adjust the path or stop the vehicle
4. 4No human driver needs to be aboard in autonomous mode; outside active work zones, including travel to and from them, a human driver must operate and occupy the ATMA
5. 5No ATMA may be used until it passes testing under a VDOT-approved plan showing reliable leader-follower operation; VDOT reviews and approves the results
6. 6VDOT reports on the pilot's status and efficacy to the House and Senate Transportation Committees by December 1 each year; the act expires December 31, 2031
7. 7Approved by the Governor April 6, 2026 (Chapter 179; identical to SB 320, Chapter 180); effective July 1, 2026

Latest legislative action

Apr 6, 2026. Approved by Governor-Chapter 179 (effective 7/1/2026)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 63)

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 6)

Related and companion bills

• Virginia SB320Autonomous truck-mounted attenuators; pilot program authorized.