PennDOT adopts new guidelines regarding self-driving vehicles

Harrisburg, Pa. — PennDOT announced it has adopted new guidelines for driverless, autonomous, and otherwise highly automated vehicles (HAVs) on Pennsylvania's roads for both general operation and testing.

The new guidelines update PennDOT's Publication 950 to allow certified users to operate HAVs without a safety driver in the vehicle's driver's seat. It also sets conditions for vehicles that are being operated remotely.

The new guidelines create the first opportunity for certified driverless operations on Pennsylvania roads.

“As technology like driverless vehicles advances, Pennsylvania is staying at the forefront of ensuring public safety with a regulation and certification process for those interested in operating in the state,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We are excited to continue our role as a crucial location for driverless training and operations.”

Self-driving vehicles such as Teslas using the "autopilot" feature and industrial "robo-trucks" have become increasingly common on American roadways, but they face skepticism from the general public. Long-haul robo-trucks have been lauded for potential fuel savings and continuous driving with no breaks, but more than half of Americans in a national poll said that they would feel unsafe sharing the road with a driverless vehicle.

PennDOT's new guidelines were created while consulting with the autonomous vehicle industry and the Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee, and modified based on public feedback.

Pennsylvania is a national leader in HAV research and development, as well as regulation and operation of HAVs. Act 130 of 2022 gave PennDOT sole authority over regulating HAVs in Pennsylvania.