As self-driving technology becomes increasingly more advanced, states are stepping up to define how autonomous vehicles should operate on public roads. With federal guidance still limited, autonomous vehicle legislation has become a priority for state lawmakers seeking to balance innovation, safety, and public trust. Recent activity in various states highlights the diverse approaches states are taking, from requiring a licensed driver behind the wheel to permitting fully driverless cars under strict safety protocols. Here’s a closer look at the latest developments in autonomous vehicle legislation, including states that failed to advance such bills in 2025 and others where legislation is currently pending.
California: Testing-Focused Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Advances
Senate Bill 480, which has seen some movement by state lawmakers in 2025, would allow drivers who possess the proper class of license to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads, but only for testing purposes. The bill defines drivers possessing the “proper class of license” as those who are employees, contractors, or other individuals designated by the manufacturer of the autonomous technology to operate autonomous vehicles. They must also be seated in the driver’s seat, ready and capable of taking over immediate control of the vehicle in the event of a technical failure or other emergency. The bill requires autonomous vehicle manufacturers to submit an application to the Department of Motor Vehicles and to obtain approval before operating the vehicle on state roads.
Maryland: Safety-Focused Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Stalls
In 2025, lawmakers failed to advance House Bill 439 which would have required a human safety operator to be present in certain fully autonomous vehicles operating on state highways. The bill also would have required manufacturers of fully autonomous vehicles to submit an incident report to the Motor Vehicle Administration on any vehicle collision, traffic citation, disengagement, or assault or harassment of a passenger or human safety operator when the vehicle was operating in fully autonomous mode.
Massachusetts: Conditionally Allowing the Operation of Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Senate Bill 2379 permits fully autonomous vehicles to operate on state highways without a human driver present, provided certain conditions are met. The requirements are as follows: the vehicle must obtain an autonomous operation license by the Department, be able to achieve a minimal risk condition on its own in the event of a technical failure, be capable of operating in compliance with traffic and motor safety laws and regulations, and it must bear the manufacturer’s certification label. The person responsible for the vehicle must also submit proof of financial responsibility to the Department of Motor Vehicles, indicating that the fully autonomous vehicle is covered by insurance or the individual is self-insured. The bill is currently with the Joint Transportation Committee, and a hearing was scheduled for June 24, 2025.
Missouri: Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Emphasizes Public Safety
House Bill 1166, which did not advance in the 2025 session, would have permitted fully autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads in Missouri without a human operator, provided the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets a specified set of conditions. Requirements include being able to achieve a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system fails, operating in compliance with traffic and motor vehicle safety laws, and bearing the required manufacturer’s certification label indicating the vehicle’s compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Additionally, the bill requires that an individual submit a law enforcement plan to the department of public safety prior to operating a fully autonomous vehicle, describing how to communicate with a fleet support specialist when the vehicle is in operation, how to remove the vehicle from the roadway and tow it safely, and how to recognize when the vehicle is in autonomous mode.
New Mexico: Defines When and How Autonomous Capabilities Can Be Used
Legislation in New Mexico, House Bill 148, would have prohibited the operation of autonomous motor vehicles on public highways in New Mexico, unless a licensed human operator is physically present behind the steering wheel and can take immediate control of the vehicle at any time. The bill also restricts drivers from using autonomous vehicles in autonomous mode within a school zone or construction zone, or in any area designated for parking at several specified public facilities. Autonomous vehicles must also have several features, including a mechanism to alert the human operator of any failures in the automated driving system, an inward- and outward-facing dashboard camera that records incidents and stores the footage for at least three years, and the opportunity for the driver to take control of the vehicle safely. The bill did not advance in the 2025 session.
New York: Proposed AV Legislation for Fully Driverless Cars
Senate Bill 344, which did not advance in the 2025 legislative session in New York, would have allowed fully autonomous vehicles to operate in the State of New York without a human driver as long as the vehicle is capable of achieving a “minimal risk condition” if a failure occurs, it adhered to the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws, and it bears the required manufacturer’s certification label according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Additionally, before the fully autonomous vehicle can operate on public roads, a person must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the department to provide details for communicating with a support specialist while the vehicle is in operation, how to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway and tow it away, and how to recognize if the vehicle is in autonomous mode.
Pennsylvania: Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Would Allow Level 3 AVs on State Roads
Legislation proposed by Representative Napoleon Nelson (D) aims to allow Level 3 autonomous vehicles, also known as “conditional driving automation”, on state roads. These vehicles can perform all driving tasks independently without human intervention. However, they contain a mechanism that allows drivers to take over when necessary. According to the bill’s memo, the legislation would permit drivers to operate vehicles equipped with Level 3 autonomous technology, provided a licensed human operator is present behind the wheel and can take control at any time.
Latest News
Photo credit: iStock.com/designprojects As emerging technologies blur the line between cars and aircraft, several states are advancing legislation for flying cars to prepare for vehicles that can operate on both roads and in the sky. [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/dikushin As artificial intelligence (AI) and "big data" continue to shape modern commerce, lawmakers across the United States are increasingly turning their attention to surveillance pricing legislation. This emerging policy trend seeks to [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Liudmila Chernetska Across the country, a small but growing number of states are moving to provide pregnancy disabled parking permits, offering short-term accommodations for expectant mothers facing mobility challenges. These measures aim to [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/StudioGraphic As technology continues to evolve, digital driver's licenses (also known as mobile IDs) are gaining traction across the United States. States are increasingly exploring legislative measures to modernize driver identification systems, enabling [...]
Stay In Touch