The use of autonomous trucks on public roadways is again a trending topic at statehouses around the country.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association recognizes that the rapid development of autonomous technology has potential. However, OOIDA points out the technology poses challenges as it relates to commercial vehicles and highway safety.
Indiana
As the Indiana Legislature convenes on Wednesday, Jan. 8, state lawmakers are again expected to consider legislation to set guidelines for the use of autonomous trucks on state roadways.
Hoosier State law does not address whether a human operator is required to be present in automated vehicle platoons.
Rep. Cindy Ledbetter, R-Newburgh, is behind a bill that would enact a rule to specify that an autonomous tractor-trailer may not be operated to transport passengers or goods unless a human operator is physically present in the vehicle. Operators must also meet all state and federal qualifications to operate a tractor-trailer.
Any autonomous vehicle operating without meeting the requirements would face $500 fines.
In 2024, multiple bills were introduced at the statehouse addressing the use of autonomous trucks on Indiana roadways. Neither bill advanced from committee.
Ledbetter has communicated multiple concerns about the technology to state lawmakers. She testified a year ago that automated “trucks without drivers put us at more risk for accidents related to technological failures.”
Ledbetter added that further advancement of autonomous trucks would worsen employment numbers in the state, also noting that the state is seeing too many trucks for too little freight.
Additionally, she said the technology has too little regulation to ensure safety.
Her bill is touted to “ensure there is a CDL-licensed driver in the tractor-trailer to provide safety in the event of technological failures.”
HB1057 is in the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
Montana
On Monday, Jan. 6, the Montana Legislature kicked off its regular session. Among the issues that could be considered in the months ahead is a bill to regulate the operation of autonomous trucks.
The state does not have any guidelines for truck platooning.
Rep. Zack Wirth, R-Wolf Creek, has introduced legislation to allow truck platooning on state roadways.
HB97 would require the lead vehicle “conductor” to have a CDL. The conductor must also be “in a position to take control” of the vehicle.
The rule would apply to partially or fully autonomous vehicles that are trailers, trucks or truck tractors.
The Montana Department of Transportation would be required to adopt rules to limit platooning in actual or predicted periods of dangerous road conditions.
Finally, the agency would be directed to consult “interested stakeholders” prior to proposing rules, such as the legislature’s transportation interim committee, law enforcement and the trucking industry.
MDT research states that “while implementing truck platooning provides several potential advantages benefiting surface transportation, the trucking industry and overall economic growth, it also introduces a host of new challenges for MDT to navigate.”
Additionally, the department said that “the unique nature of Montana with mountains and plains, with adverse weather conditions, rural settings and challenging roadway geometry, testing and deploying such technologies might be even more complicated than in other states.”
The bill is scheduled for a House Transportation Committee hearing on Monday, Jan. 13. A public participation option is available. LL
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