SAFE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ACT
The legislation empowers manufacturers to establish operational boundaries for their autonomous vehicle fleets and assumes liability for incidents where their ADS is at fault. Notably, the Act allows the participating fleets to operate under defined geographical limits, including specific municipalities and designated areas. Furthermore, it defines responsibilities surrounding accident notifications using Automatic Crash Notification Technology. By creating distinct protocols and safety requirements for manufacturers, the bill aims to enhance safety in the advent of increasing autonomous vehicle usage on public roads.
House Bill 1839, known as the Safe Autonomous Vehicle Act, is a legislative measure aimed at regulating the deployment of autonomous vehicles within the state of Illinois. The Act defines the framework for Motor Vehicle Manufacturers to begin safe autonomous vehicle projects, which involves a vehicle equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS). Manufacturers must notify the Secretary of State and self-certify their compliance with stipulated conditions before commencing any projects. This initiative places a significant emphasis on safety by mandating that manufacturers maintain detailed incident records and submit periodic summaries to both the Secretary of State and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While proponents of HB1839 believe that this regulation will facilitate innovation in transportation, there are concerns regarding the preemption of local authority. The bill explicitly preempts home rule powers, limiting municipalities from regulating autonomous vehicles independently. Critics may argue that this undermines local governance and could impede tailored responses to community-specific safety and operational concerns. Additionally, the significant penalties for violating the safety requirements, such as a $10,000 fine for a first violation, could be viewed as overly harsh, potentially stifling participation in the new program if not managed appropriately.