View full title
AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia Code, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new chapter, designated §17H-1-1, §17H-1-2, §17H-1-3, §17H-1-4, §17H-1-5, §17H-1-6, §17H-1-7, §17H-1-8, §17H-1-9, §17H-1-10, §17H-1-11, §17H-1-12, §17H-1-13, §17H-1-14, and §17H-1-15, all relating to establishing the Fully Autonomous Vehicle Act; defining terms; providing for construction of the act; providing requirements for the operation of fully autonomous vehicles without a human driver and with a human driver; providing for the operation of on-demand autonomous vehicle networks; providing for the operation of fully autonomous commercial and motor vehicle carriers; providing for the platooning of fully autonomous vehicles; providing for licensing, titling, registration, and insurance requirements of fully autonomous vehicles; providing for control and regulation of fully autonomous vehicles; providing for equipment standards for fully autonomous vehicles; and providing duties following a crash involving fully autonomous vehicles.
In one paragraph
West Virginia's Fully Autonomous Vehicle Act (new Chapter 17H) authorizes self-driving vehicles on public roads. A fully autonomous vehicle may run without a human driver if its automated driving system can reach a minimal risk condition on failure, and the operator first files a law enforcement interaction plan with the Division of Highways/DOT and proves insurance or self-insurance to the DMV. The act also covers on-demand autonomous vehicle networks, autonomous commercial vehicles, three-vehicle platooning, crash duties and equipment standards, and bars local governments from banning or separately taxing autonomous vehicles.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
AV developers, robotaxi and freight operators may deploy driverless vehicles statewide after filing a law enforcement interaction plan and proving insurance; local AV bans are preempted.
Key provisions
- Fully autonomous vehicles may operate without a human driver if the automated driving system is engaged and can achieve a minimal risk condition
- Operator must submit a law enforcement interaction plan before driverless operation
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance or self-insurance) required before driverless operation
- Authorizes on-demand autonomous vehicle networks carrying passengers or goods
- Autonomous commercial and motor carrier vehicles may operate; school buses excluded
- Platooning limited to three vehicles under a filed plan
- State agencies and localities may not prohibit autonomous vehicles or impose AV-specific taxes, fees or requirements
- Owner or agent must report crashes and vehicle must remain at the scene where required
Latest legislative action
Mar 30, 2022. Approved by Governor 3/30/2022 (Chapter 190, Acts, Regular Session, 2022); effective ninety days from passage (June 10, 2022)
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