SB178 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Motor vehicles, autonomous technology, operation and testing, ALEA, drivers license endorsement

Summary

SB178 would allow autonomous vehicles on Alabama roads, but only after testing, certification, insurance, and a driver’s-license endorsement for testers and operators.

What This Bill Does

It would let autonomous vehicles operate on public roads only after ALEA certifies the make/model. Testing must be conducted by ALEA-licensed testers, with criteria and geographic testing locations approved by ALEA. Each autonomous vehicle must carry at least $5 million in liability insurance and be registered like other motor vehicles, and ALEA may create a driver’s license endorsement for autonomous-vehicle operators. Additional requirements cover safety data preservation, testing safety features, accident reporting, and possible licensing suspensions for violations.

Who It Affects

• Autonomous vehicle manufacturers, owners, and testers who want to test or operate autonomous vehicles in Alabama (must obtain certifications, licenses, endorsements, and meet testing and insurance requirements).
• Alabama regulatory agencies (ALEA and the Department of Revenue) and insurers, who would enforce the rules, issue endorsements, register vehicles, and provide required insurance.

Key Provisions

• Allows autonomous motor vehicles to operate on public roads only after ALEA issues a certificate of compliance for the make/model; the operator is the driver even if not physically present.
• ALEA may create a driver's license endorsement for autonomous-vehicle drivers and set additional testing requirements for testers.
• Autonomous vehicles operated in the state must be registered and licensed like other motor vehicles, and must carry liability insurance of at least $5,000,000.
• Vehicles must be tested by an ALEA-licensed tester; testers must have proof of insurance and meet experience requirements (minimum 10,000 autonomous miles) and demonstrate AI/technology to ALEA.
• Testing requires specification of geographic testing locations, demonstration of capability to operate in those locations, and submission of insurance or a $5,000,000 surety bond.
• Testing licenses are valid for one year and are renewable; renewals require a timely application to avoid lapse.
• Before testing, licensees must certify safety, include a data capture mechanism for sensor data at least 30 seconds before a collision, and preserve data for three years; vehicles must have a disengagement switch and a system to alert the operator to take control.
• Vehicles’ autonomous technology must not adversely affect other federally regulated safety features.
• Licenses to test identify authorized locations; licensees may request new locations and receive new certificates upon approval; and at least two people must be present in the vehicle during testing, with one able to take full control.
• Participants in testing must hold valid licenses, be trained, and monitor vehicle operation; accident reports must be submitted within 10 business days, including relevant documents.
• ALEA may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for violations; unsafe vehicle models or technology can be prohibited until fixed; appeals are allowed within 30 days.
• ALEA may adopt rules necessary for testing and operation; the act becomes effective after governor approval or as it becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles