New law to allow autonomous vehicles on Iowa roads

April 17, 2019

The new legislation would establish regulations on operation, insurance and liability for driverless cars

Driverless vehicles are inching closer to the possibility of cruising down Iowa highways, as the state House of Representatives recently joined the Iowa Senate in approving legislation to allow vehicles with driverless capabilities to operate without a human driver on state roads.

According to a report from the Quad-City Times, the new law would create basic regulations for autonomous vehicles, which includes rules on operation, insurance and liability in the event of a collision.

The legislation would require there be minimal risk if the automated driving system malfunctions, and for the vehicles to comply with state traffic laws and regulations, barring a DOT exemption. The vehicle must also be cetified by a manufacturer in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The law also allows transportation network companies to dispatch vehicles with autonomous features to transport people or goods, including transportation for hire and public transportation.

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Source: Quad-City Times