HB160 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles, defined, operation by remote human operator, duties after accident, Transportation Dept to have jurisdiction over

Summary

HB160 would authorize autonomous and teleoperation-enabled vehicles in Alabama, assign DOT as the exclusive regulatory body, and establish rules for operation, liability, and accident reporting.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines key terms for autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, remote operators, and teleoperation. It allows autonomous vehicles to operate without a conventional driver if they meet criteria such as complying with all laws, being registered, meeting federal safety standards with proper certification, having a minimal risk condition, a recording device, and sufficient liability coverage. It designates the owner as the operator for legal compliance and treats the ADS or remote operator as licensed to operate. It restricts local governments from imposing new rules or taxes and provides liability protections for original manufacturers of converted vehicles, while outlining accident reporting requirements.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners and operators (including remote operators) would be allowed to operate autonomous vehicles without a conventional driver if the vehicle meets specified criteria and would be responsible for compliance with traffic laws.
• Local governments (political subdivisions) and vehicle manufacturers/converters would be limited in regulatory power over these systems and would receive liability protections for original manufacturers of converted vehicles.

Key Provisions

• Defines autonomous vehicle, automated driving system, conventional human driver, dynamic driving task, minimal risk condition, operational design domain, remote human operator, and teleoperation system.
• Autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and teleoperation systems are governed exclusively by this act; the Department of Transportation has sole state jurisdiction.
• Political subdivisions may not impose franchises, requirements, taxes, or performance standards related to the operation of an automated driving system, autonomous vehicle, or teleoperation system.
• A conventional human driver is not required to operate an autonomous vehicle; such vehicles may operate without a human in the vehicle if criteria are met (law compliance, registration/title, federal standards/certification, minimal risk capability, recording device, and adequate liability coverage).
• The owner of an autonomous vehicle is considered the operator for traffic law compliance; the automated driving system or remote human driver is considered licensed to operate.
• Original manufacturers of converted vehicles have a defense to liability for defects caused by the conversion, unless the defect was present in the vehicle when originally manufactured.
• If an accident occurs with an autonomous vehicle, leaving the scene requirements are satisfied if the vehicle remains on scene and the parties contact law enforcement and provide required information.
• Conflicting laws are repealed, and the act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

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