SB 949 — Vehicle Laws — Fully Autonomous Vehicles (Maryland)
Status & Key Dates
- Introduced: January 28, 2025 (Senators Love, Benson, Gile, Hettleman, Lam, Muse, Smith)
- Committee: Judicial Proceedings (hearing scheduled 3/05/2025 at 1:00 p.m.)
- Effective date (if enacted): October 1, 2025
- Companion bill: HB 1256
Purpose
- Authorizes and establishes a regulatory framework for operation of “fully autonomous vehicles” (FAVs) on Maryland highways without a human driver, by setting definitions, pre‑operation requirements, how Maryland vehicle law applies, and related administrative responsibilities.
Key definitions
- Automated driving system (ADS): hardware + software capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis.
- Dynamic driving task: real‑time operational functions (steering, acceleration/deceleration, environment monitoring, object/event response, maneuver planning, signaling).
- Fully autonomous vehicle (FAV): motor vehicle equipped with an ADS designed to function without a human driver (includes SAE Level 4 or 5 systems).
- Minimal risk condition: a low‑risk state the vehicle achieves if it cannot safely continue the trip.
Major provisions
- Authorization: A FAV may operate on State highways without a human driver if it:
- Achieves a minimal risk condition upon ADS failure affecting its operational design domain;
- Can operate in accordance with Maryland Vehicle Law (unless MVA grants an exemption); and
- Bears the manufacturer’s certification label showing compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (including NHTSA exemptions where applicable).
- Pre‑operation filings:
- A person must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) before operating a FAV without a human driver. The plan must explain:
- How to contact a fleet support specialist during operation,
- Procedures to safely remove/tow the vehicle from a highway,
- How to recognize whether the vehicle is operating autonomously,
- Any other manufacturer/owner/MVA‑required safety or hazard information.
- The vehicle owner must submit proof of required security (insurance) to MVA on the form provided.
- Titles/registration: Motor vehicle title and registration must identify the vehicle as a “fully autonomous vehicle.”
- Application of Maryland Vehicle Law:
- When ADS is engaged, the ADS is treated as the vehicle operator for purposes of the Maryland Vehicle Law, is deemed to satisfy electronically physical acts required of a driver, and is treated as licensed to operate the vehicle.
- A human may operate the FAV when ADS is disengaged; a person must take over if the ADS requests intervention.
- For crashes involving FAVs, reporting requirements under Title 20 apply and must be satisfied within 15 days (unless an extension is granted).
- Commercial use: Transportation network companies, for‑hire, and other ground passenger carriers may use FAVs; statutory provisions that apply only to human drivers do not apply to an ADS operator used by these companies.
- Preemption: State agencies and local political subdivisions may not prohibit operation of FAVs on highways under their jurisdiction.
Administration, enforcement & fiscal effects
- MVA: can implement the bill’s requirements using existing resources. MVA will receive and process law enforcement interaction plans and insurance proofs.
- Law enforcement: State and local agencies are expected to adapt enforcement procedures using existing resources.
- Fiscal impact: No material effect on State or local revenues; small business impact described as potentially meaningful (e.g., fleets, AV converters, insurers, maintenance/towing providers).
- Fiscal note prepared by Department of Legislative Services.
Who is affected
- Vehicle manufacturers and converters (to meet certification/labeling and ADS standards)
- Vehicle owners/operators and fleet operators (must file plans and proof of insurance)
- Transportation network and for‑hire companies (may deploy FAVs)
- MVA and state/local law enforcement (administration and enforcement responsibilities)
- Insurers and businesses involved in towing, maintenance, and support services
Procedural status & next steps
- Referred to Judicial Proceedings; hearing scheduled 3/05/2025 at 1:00 p.m. If passed by the legislature and signed, the law would take effect October 1, 2025.
Notes
- Bill references federal compliance (FMVSS and NHTSA exemptions) and relies on MVA rulemaking/administrative forms for implementation details.
