EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT has announced that there are new guidelines for highly automated vehicles (HAVs) on Pennsylvania roadways for operations and testing purposes.
According to PennDOT, the new guidelines allow certified users to operate HAVs on the road without a driver in the driver's seat. The new guidelines update Publication 950, which "establishes minimum requirements for the certification and operations of a Highly Automated Vehicle."
This is the first opportunity for certified driverless vehicles on the roadways in Pennsylvania, officials note.
Route 61 closed due to gas leak in Schuylkill County
“As technology like driverless vehicles advances, Pennsylvania is staying at the forefront of ensuring public safety with a regulation and certification process for those interested in operating in the state,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
Additionally, PennDOT states certified operators can also drive their vehicles from remote locations.
These new guidelines were created in consultation with the AV industry and the Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee, and enhanced with input from a public comment period, according to PennDOT.
PennDOT says the HAV Advisory Committee was was created in 2018 to provide advice to the secretary of transportation on research, best practices, and regulation of automated vehicles.
If you would like to learn more about automated vehicles, operations, testing, regulations, and initiatives visit the PennDOT website.
