Chapter 23A. Autonomous Vehicles.

§ 50–2351. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:

(1) "Associated autonomous vehicle" means an autonomous vehicle that an autonomous vehicle testing entity identifies in its autonomous vehicle testing permit application pursuant to § 50-2352.01, and any subsequent autonomous vehicles approved to operate pursuant to § 50-2352.01(f)(1) or permitted by law to operate without subsequent approval.

(1A) "Autonomous driving system" means the combination of hardware and software collectively capable of autonomous operation of a motor vehicle on a sustained basis that meets the definition of Levels 3, 4, or 5 of the Society of Automotive Engineers International's Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles, standard J3016.

(1B) "Autonomous operation" means the performance of the entire dynamic driving task by an autonomous driving system, beginning upon the performance of the entire dynamic driving task by an autonomous driving system and continuing until the autonomous driving system is disengaged.

(1C) "Autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving system, regardless of whether the vehicle is under autonomous operation.

(1D) "AV testing entity" means a person applying for or issued an AV testing permit by the Department.

(1E) "AV testing permit" means a permit issued by the Department pursuant to § 50-2352.01.

(2) Repealed.

(2A) "Department" means the District Department of Transportation.

(2B) "Director" means the Director of the Department.

(2C) "Dynamic driving task" means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions collectively required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic, including controlling lateral and longitudinal vehicle motion, monitoring the driving environment, executing responses to objects and events, planning vehicle maneuvers, and enhancing vehicle conspicuity. The term "dynamic driving task" shall not include the strategic functions of driving, such as scheduling trips, selecting destinations, and specifying routes.

(2D) "Minimal risk condition" means a condition to which a test operator or autonomous driving system brings a vehicle to reduce the risk of a crash when a trip cannot or should not be completed, such as bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.

(2E) "Operate" means collectively, the activities performed by a test operator or an autonomous driving system to perform the entire dynamic driving task for an associated autonomous vehicle.

(2F) "Operational design domain" means the environmental, geographic, time-of-day, traffic, infrastructure, and other conditions under which an autonomous driving system is specifically designed to function.

(3) “Public roadway” means a street, road, or public thoroughfare that allows motor vehicles.

(3A) "Remote operator" means an employee, contractor, or other designee of the autonomous testing entity who is not physically present in an associated autonomous vehicle, but is actively monitoring the autonomous operation of the vehicle in real time and is able to operate the vehicle or is able to communicate with occupants of the vehicle.

(3B) "Testing" means the operation of an associated autonomous vehicle on public roadways to assess or demonstrate the associated autonomous vehicle's capabilities, including operating an associated autonomous vehicle with occupants other than a test operator.

(3C) "Test operator" means an employee, contractor, or other designee of the autonomous vehicle testing entity who engages an autonomous driving system and performs, in real time, part or all of the dynamic driving task.

(4) “Traffic control device” means a traffic signal, traffic sign, electronic traffic sign, pavement marking, or other sign, device, or apparatus designed and installed to direct moving traffic.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 2, 60 DCR 2119; Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(a), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

Section 7186 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-156 has been implemented.

Section 7186 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-156 has been implemented.

Applicability of D.C. Law 23-156: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(a) of D.C. Law 23-156 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.

§ 50–2352. Autonomous vehicles permitted. [Repealed]

Repealed.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 3, 60 DCR 2119; Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(b), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

Section 7186 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the repeal of this section by Law 23-156 has been implemented.

Section 7186 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the repeal of this section by Law 23-156 has been implemented.

Applicability of D.C. Law 23-156: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 provided that the repeal of this section by § 2(b) of D.C. Law 23-156 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.

§ 50–2352.01. Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program.

*NOTE: This section includes amendments by temporary legislation that will expire on January 12, 2025. To view the text of this section after the expiration of all emergency and temporary legislation, click this link: Past Permanent Version.*

(a) There is established an Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program, which shall be administered by the Department. The Department shall set the term for which an AV testing permit lasts before requiring renewal and the fees associated with testing an autonomous vehicle in the District.

(b) The Department shall create an application process for an AV testing entity to obtain an AV testing permit issued by the Department.

(1) The name, address, and principal point-of-contact for the AV testing entity applying for the AV testing permit;

(2) Vehicle information for each associated autonomous vehicle used for testing, such as tag number and state of issuance, vehicle information number, vehicle make, model, and year, and proof of current vehicle registration;

(3) A safety and risk mitigation assessment that addresses functional safety and cybersecurity risks, in a form to be determined by the Department, or the AV testing entity's most recent Voluntary Safety Self-Assessment, as described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;

(4) A description of the operational design domain in which an AV testing entity intends to test, including the circumstances under which testing would occur with a remote operator, if applicable; and

(5) A certification that the AV testing entity and its associated autonomous vehicles comply with the following requirements:

(A) When required by federal law, each associated autonomous vehicle shall bear the required manufacturer's certification label indicating that at the time of the vehicle's manufacture it was certified to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including reference to an applicable exemption granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if any;

(B) Each associated autonomous vehicle shall be capable of being operated in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle laws of the District, regardless of whether the vehicle is under autonomous operation;

(C) Each associated autonomous vehicle shall be tested with either a test operator physically present in the vehicle or with a remote operator;

(D) Each associated autonomous vehicle shall:

(i) When a test operator is physically present in the autonomous vehicle, safely alert the test operator of a performance-relevant failure that renders the autonomous driving system unable to safely perform the entire dynamic driving task or when the vehicle operates outside of its operational design domain, and when the alert is given, achieve a minimal risk condition or require the test operator to take control of the vehicle; or

(ii) When a test operator is not physically present in the autonomous vehicle, achieve a minimal risk condition in the event of a performance-relevant failure that renders the autonomous driving system unable to safely perform the entire dynamic driving task or if the vehicle operates outside of its operational design domain;

(E) Before testing an associated autonomous vehicle when a test operator is not physically present in the vehicle, the autonomous driving system shall have been previously tested with a test operator physically present in the vehicle within the operational design domain in which the AV testing entity has been permitted to operate, and the autonomous vehicle testing entity shall have reasonably determined that the vehicle is capable of safe operation within the parameters of the operational design domain without a test operator physically present;

(F) Each associated autonomous vehicle shall be equipped with a mechanism to capture and store sensor data from the relevant period preceding a crash between the vehicle and another vehicle, object, or person while the vehicle is under autonomous operation;

(G) The AV testing entity shall create a test operator training program that meets minimum requirements as set by the Department or is reasonably equivalent thereto and each test operator or remote operator shall successfully complete the training program before testing with an associated autonomous vehicle in the District; and

(H) The AV testing entity shall have the ability to respond to a judgment for damages, personal injury, death, or property damage from the operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roadways in the amount of $5 million in the form of:

(i) An instrument of insurance issued by an insurer authorized to issue insurance in the District;

(ii) A surety bond issued by an admitted surety insurer or an eligible surplus lines insurer, and not a deposit in lieu of bond; or

(iii) A certificate of self-insurance issued or approved by the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking.

(d) A person or entity shall not test or operate an autonomous vehicle on a District roadway without an AV testing permit, unless the Department has not yet made an AV testing permit application available and:

(1) There is a test operator physically present in the vehicle who is performing the dynamic driving task or is prepared to take over the dynamic driving task from the autonomous driving system;

(2) The person or entity is in compliance with other local and federal laws and regulations; and

(3) The person or entity provides the Department with electronic notification at least 10 business days prior to commencing testing or operating in the District, including the following information with respect to operations in the District, the:

(A) Number of autonomous vehicles;

(B) Model, make, and type of autonomous vehicles;

(D) Geographic testing or operation locations; and

(E) Time period of testing or operation.

(e) The AV testing entity associated with an autonomous vehicle shall be considered the operator of the vehicle while the vehicle is under autonomous operation.

(f)(1) After approval of an AV testing permit, an AV testing entity shall receive approval from the Department for the following changes to its approved application:

(A) The scope of its operational design domain;

(B) Its test locations;

(C) A change from testing with an in-vehicle test operator to testing with no test operator physically present in the vehicle;

(D) A change to the make or type of vehicle in which testing occurs; and

(E) An increase in the number of vehicles tested that is 50% more than the amount approved for on its most recent permit application, unless a greater percentage for subsequent approvals is stipulated to by the Department through rulemaking.

(2) The Department shall review any proposed changes for which approval is required pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection and shall approve or deny the changes no later than 10 business days after the proposed changes are received.

(g) An AV testing entity shall submit an associated autonomous vehicle inventory list to the Department on a quarterly basis that includes the relevant registration information, such as vehicle tag number and state of issuance, vehicle information number, vehicle make, model, and year, and proof of current vehicle registration.

(h) Any records provided to the Department by an applicant or AV testing entity under this chapter shall not be disclosed to a third party by the Department, including through a request submitted pursuant to subchapter II of Chapter 5 of Title 2, except as required to:

(1) Comply with a subpoena or active law enforcement or other government investigation; or

(2) Comply with § 50-2352.03(b).

§ 50–2352.02. Restrictions on testing.

The Department may order an AV testing entity to temporarily restrict testing on select roadways, or District-wide, under certain circumstances identified by the Department pursuant to rules, including emergencies, special events, or specific roadway conditions that raise safety concerns. To the maximum extent practicable, the Department shall provide an AV testing entity with reasonable notice about how, where, and when testing will be restricted, and the reasons for such restriction. This section shall only apply to associated autonomous vehicles when under autonomous operation.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 3b; as added Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(c), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

Section 7186 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 23-154 has been implemented.

Section 7186 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 23-154 has been implemented.

Applicability of D.C. Law 23-156: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 provided that the creation of this section by § 2(c) of D.C. Law 23-156 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.

§ 50–2352.03. Data and crash reporting.

(a) On a semi-annual basis, an AV testing entity shall provide to the Department, in a form to be determined by the Department, the following information from each reporting period:

(1) The vehicle miles traveled, in the aggregate, by its associated autonomous vehicles;

(2) The number of crashes involving an associated autonomous vehicle on a public roadway while under autonomous operation in the District that resulted in property damage, bodily injury, or death, if any;

(3) A description of changes, if any, the AV testing entity has implemented or intends to implement following a crash that occurred during the reporting period, such as changes to the autonomous vehicle's hardware or software systems, changes to the AV testing entity's test operator training program, or changes to the AV testing entity's policies or procedures, or an explanation of why the AV testing entity has not implemented or does not intend to implement changes;

(4) A description of the locations tested in, including specific roadways;

(5) A description of the operational design domain in which testing occurred;

(6) A description of the most common unplanned circumstances under which the autonomous driving system ceased autonomous operation, or where a test operator took over manual control of an associated autonomous vehicle, if any; and

(7) Any other information the Department may require; provided, that the information is necessary to evaluate the safety of autonomous vehicles on public roadways or to evaluate the feasibility of the full deployment of autonomous vehicles in the District.

(b) The Department shall publish the reports required by subsection (a) of this section on its website upon their receipt. The Department shall publish the safety and risk mitigation assessments, or the Voluntary Safety Self-Assessments, submitted pursuant to § 50-2352.01(c)(3), on its website upon approval of the AV testing entity's permit application; provided, that no proprietary or confidential business information shall be publicly disclosed by the Department.

(c)(1) An AV testing entity shall notify the Department of a crash involving an associated autonomous vehicle while under autonomous operation that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death as soon as possible, but in no case more than 12 hours following the crash. At the time notification is provided pursuant to this paragraph, the AV testing entity shall provide, to the extent known:

(A) The name of the AV testing entity;

(B) The general location of the crash;

(D) The severity of the crash; and

(E) The name, title, and contact information of the AV testing entity representative reporting the crash.

(2) Within 5 business days of the crash, the AV testing entity shall submit a crash report to the Department that contains the following information:

(A) The names of the test operators involved in the crash, if applicable;

(B) The date, time, location, type of roadway, weather conditions, and a brief description of the event;

(C) A summary of the movement of the vehicle preceding the crash, such as stopped, proceeding straight, making a turn, or reversing;

(D) Whether the autonomous driving system was engaged;

(E) Whether the test operators, if any, attempted to intervene; and

(F) The name, title, and contact information for the AV testing entity representative submitting the crash report.

(d) At its discretion, and in coordination with a law enforcement or government investigative entity, the Department may require an AV testing entity to submit additional information necessary to investigate a crash. Such information shall be requested, stored, maintained, and transmitted pursuant to Department rules and applicable law.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 3c; as added Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(c), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

§ 50–2352.04. Report on full deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Within one year after October 1, 2021, the Department shall transmit to the Council a report that provides recommendations to safely accommodate the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roadways for commercial, personal, and any other use the Department determines. The report may include draft legislation or regulations.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 3d; as added Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(c), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

§ 50–2352.05. Preexisting testing or operation before testing permit availability. [Repealed]

Repealed.

§ 50–2352.06. Civil penalties and other sanctions.

(a)(1) A person or entity that violates this chapter, or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per offense.

(2) Each day of a violation of this chapter, or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall constitute a separate offense, and the penalties set forth in this subsection shall be applicable to each separate offense.

(b) In addition to, or in lieu of, the civil penalty described in subsection (a) of this section, the Department may modify, suspend, revoke, or deny an AV testing permit issued by the Department for a violation of this chapter, or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, after notice and opportunity for a hearing pursuant to § 50-2352.07.

§ 50–2352.07. Administrative appeals.

(a) A person aggrieved by an action of the Department taken pursuant to this chapter, or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this act, may appeal the action of the Department to the Office of Administrative Hearings, pursuant to § 2-1831.03(a). The Office of Administrative Hearing shall provide a de novo hearing and shall determine whether the Department's action was legally proper.

(b) An appeal shall be filed within 15 days after the adverse action of the Department, or, if notice of the adverse action is served by the United States mail or commercial carrier, within 20 days after the adverse action of the Department.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 3g; as added Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(c), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

§ 50–2353. Vehicle conversion; limited liability of original manufacturer.

(a) The original manufacturer of a vehicle converted by a third party into an autonomous vehicle shall not be liable in any action resulting from a vehicle defect caused by the conversion of the vehicle, or by equipment installed by the converter, unless the alleged defect was present in the vehicle as originally manufactured.

(b) The conversion of vehicles to autonomous vehicles shall be limited to model years 2009 or later or vehicles built within 4 years of conversion, whichever vehicle is newer.

§ 50–2353.01. Autonomous vehicles study.

By July 1, 2019, the District Department of Transportation, in consultation, as needed, with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer or other District agencies or organizations such as DC Surface Transit, shall make publicly available a study that evaluates and makes recommendations regarding the effects of autonomous vehicles on the District, including:

(1) The effect on the District's economy, including economic development and employment;

(2) The impact on the District government's revenue, including motor vehicle excise taxes, motor vehicle registration fees, motor vehicle fuel taxes, residential parking permit fees, parking meter revenue, fines and fees relating to moving infractions or parking, standing, stopping, and pedestrian infractions, and commercial parking taxes;

(3) The impact on the District's infrastructure, traffic control systems, road use, congestion, curbside management, and public space;

(4) The impact on the District's environment and public health;

(5) The impact on public safety in the District, including the safety of other road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists;

(6) The impact on the District's disability community;

(7) The impact on the various transportation modes in the District, including mass transit, shared-use vehicles, and public and private vehicles-for-hire; and

(8) The need for and use of autonomous vehicle data, including data from autonomous vehicle manufacturers and public and private vehicle-for-hire companies.

§ 50–2354. Rules.

The Department, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.

(Apr. 23, 2013, D.C. Law 19-278, § 5, 60 DCR 2119; Dec. 23, 2020, D.C. Law 23-156, § 2(d), 67 DCR 13048.)

Applicability

Applicability of D.C. Law 23-156: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-156 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(d) of D.C. Law 23-156 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.