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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) Subject to the limitations in subsection (2) of this section, a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the highways of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets the following conditions:
(a) If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal risk condition;
(b) The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state when reasonable to do so, unless an exemption has been granted by the Transportation Cabinet; and
(c) When required by federal law, the vehicle bears the required manufacturer's certification label indicating that at the time of its manufacture it has been certified to be in compliance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, including any exemptions granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(2) From July 15, 2024, until July 31, 2026, a fully autonomous vehicle for which the declared gross weight of the vehicle and any towed unit is more than sixty-two thousand (62,000) pounds shall have a human driver, with the appropriate credentials to operate the vehicle, present in the vehicle to monitor the performance of the vehicle and intervene if necessary.
(3) Prior to operating a fully autonomous vehicle on the highways of this state without a human driver, a person shall submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Transportation Cabinet and the Department of Kentucky State Police that describes:
(a) How to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the times the vehicle is in operation;
(b) How to safely remove the fully autonomous vehicle from the roadway and steps to safely tow the vehicle;
(c) How to recognize whether the automated driving system is engaged on the fully autonomous vehicle; and
(d) Any additional information the manufacturer or owner deems necessary regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the operation of the fully autonomous vehicle.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XVI. Motor Vehicles § 186.763.Use of fully autonomous vehicle permissible; conditions; law enforcement interaction plan - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ky/title-xvi-motor-vehicles/ky-rev-st-sect-186-763/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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