Regulatory issues related to autonomous vehicles

Abstract

Self-driving cars mean revolution and evolution. The revolution: Humans will leave the traditional rules of the road behind as they turn over the driving to a machine. The evolution: States will not be defining who a driver is but what a driver is, as the term will gradually change from a person steering the vehicle to a product doing so. Along the way, changes are inevitable to the traditional model of auto insurance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working to create a national policy on automated vehicles, and the NHTSA is encouraging states to develop best practices while focusing on consistent regulatory objectives. This article looks at where the states are now in the regulatory process and presents the issues surrounding the expected shift in liability.