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Bill

A 11500

Relates to fully autonomous vehicles

2025 Regular Session

New York would regulate fully autonomous vehicles under a dedicated framework, treating ADS as the driver, requiring licensing, insurance, strict liability notices, and a two-count

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Bill Summary · A 11500

Summary of Bill A.11500 (2025-2026) – Relates to Fully Autonomous Vehicles (New York)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a new regulatory framework in New York for fully autonomous vehicles (FAVs) and automated driving systems (ADS).
  • Creates a dedicated Title 11-A within the Vehicle and Traffic Law to govern all aspects of FAVs, including operation without a human driver, licensing, insurance, registration, network operation, and related duties.
  • Sets a finite effective window, with immediate effect and expiration on July 1, 2028, at which the provisions would be repealed unless extended or amended.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (new § 2500)

  • Defines core terms essential to FAV regulation, including:
    • Automated driving system (ADS)
    • Dynamic driving task (DDT)
    • DDT Fallback
    • Fully autonomous vehicle (FAV)
    • Minimal risk condition
    • On-demand autonomous vehicle network (a TNC-style platform for autonomous vehicles)
    • Operational design domain (ODD)
    • Request to intervene
    • Other standard terms (e.g., “person” for legal entities)

Operation without a human driver (new § 2501)

  • Allows operation of FAVs on public roads in Albany and Rensselaer counties without a human driver if:
    • ADS is engaged and can reach a minimal risk condition after any system failure or domain exit.
    • Vehicle complies with state traffic and safety laws (or exemptions granted by the department).
    • Manufacturer’s certification label (FMVSS compliance) is present when required by federal law.
  • Requires pre-operation planning:
    • Law enforcement interaction plan for communicating with fleet support, safely removing/towing the vehicle, recognizing ADS engagement, and sharing safety-related information.
  • Liability and notices:
    • Vehicle owner liable for traffic/motor vehicle safety violations when ADS is engaged.
    • Municipalities must issue notices of liability by mail to owners, with details of the violation and a description of how to contest.

Licensing (new § 2502)

  • The ADS is treated as the driver for purposes of compliance and licensing when engaged.
  • The ADS is deemed licensed to operate the vehicle.

Insurance (new § 2503)

  • Requires proof of financial responsibility or self-insurance satisfactory to the department before operating an FAV on public roads.

Post-crash duties (new § 2504)

  • FAVs must remain at the crash scene as required by existing law.
  • Owners or their representatives must promptly report crashes.

On-demand autonomous vehicle networks (new § 2505)

  • Permits on-demand autonomous vehicle networks to operate under existing transportation network company (TNC) and for-hire vehicle laws.
  • Excludes the application of Article 44-B provisions that would typically apply to human drivers to autonomous operations.

Registration and title (new § 2506)

  • FAVs must be properly registered and titled, with an indication on registration and title that the vehicle is fully autonomous.

Controlling authority (new § 2507)

  • Establishes exclusive state control:
    • The Department (presumably DMV) is the sole state agency implementing this article.
    • FAVs/ADS are not subject to certain preexisting statutes (e.g., section 1226).
    • Local entities cannot impose extra taxes, fees, or requirements specific to FAVs beyond this article.

Operation by a human driver (new § 2508)

  • Provides rules for operating a vehicle equipped with an ADS by a human driver:
    • ADS may issue a “request to intervene” for the human driver to take over when needed.
    • Driver must operate in compliance with applicable laws when reasonable, unless exempted by the department.
  • Leaves room for human drivers to manually control the vehicle even when it’s capable of autonomous operation.

Additional provisions on equipment (new § 383-a in Vehicle and Traffic Law)

  • Fully autonomous vehicles designed to operate exclusively by ADS are not subject to motor vehicle equipment laws/regulations intended for human-driver operation where not relevant to ADS functionality.

Inspections (new § 301-c)

  • Inspection criteria for FAVs apply to FAVs in a manner aligned with the new equipment provisions.

Who and what would be affected

  • Vehicle owners and manufacturers of fully autonomous vehicles operating in New York (initially in Albany and Rensselaer counties for non-human-driver operation).
  • Operators of on-demand autonomous vehicle networks (TNC-style platforms) and other for-hire transport services using FAVs.
  • Law enforcement and municipal authorities, which would receive liability notices and engage with FAV safety plans.
  • Insurance providers and vehicle insurers (or self-insurance arrangements) for FAVs.
  • State agencies (primarily the department referenced in the bill) would have exclusive authority to regulate and implement the new framework.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Sunset/expiration: Provisions are set to expire on July 1, 2028, unless extended or revised.
  • Pre-operational requirements: Operators must submit a law enforcement interaction plan before deploying FAVs without a human driver in the specified counties.
  • Compliance regime: Unique licensing and registration standards designate ADS as the driver and licensee for FAVs; strict liability-style notices of liability to owners for violations.

Notes

  • The bill creates a tightly scoped pilot-like framework in two counties for non-human-driver operation, with broader provisions intended to govern autonomous operations across the state if extended.
  • It emphasizes safety, liability, and centralized regulatory control, while clarifying interaction protocols with law enforcement and ensuring appropriate insurance and crash reporting.

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

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