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HB 1124

Autonomous vehicles; work group to conduct and assessment of workforce impacts, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark

Virginia establishes autonomous vehicle operational standards, safety requirements, and civil penalties while mandating company reporting to state authorities on vehicle performance and incidents.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 738 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1124

Legislative bill overview

HB 1124 establishes operational requirements and regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Virginia, including safety standards, reporting obligations, and civil penalty structures for violations. The bill creates state-level rules governing how self-driving vehicles can operate on public roads and what companies must disclose to authorities.

Why is this important

As autonomous vehicle technology becomes commercially viable, states must decide whether to allow deployment and under what conditions. This bill determines Virginia's competitive position in the AV industry while establishing consumer safety protections and liability frameworks that affect both manufacturers and the public sharing roadways with these vehicles.

Potential points of contention

  • Technology standards ambiguity: The bill likely faces debate over whether safety requirements are stringent enough, too prescriptive for emerging tech, or aligned with federal standards (NHTSA guidance)
  • Liability and insurance questions: Unclear allocation of responsibility between manufacturers, operators, and owners during accidents—a major industry concern affecting insurance markets
  • Data privacy and reporting scope: Requirements for companies to report operational data to the state could conflict with proprietary technology concerns or create compliance burdens that disadvantage smaller developers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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