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Pennsylvania State Senate
07/30/2024 04:18 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20230&chamber=S&cosponId=42632
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 2, 2024 03:08 PM
From: Senator Chris Gebhard
To: All Senate members
Subject: Removal of the Ban on Level 3 Autonomous Vehicles
 
Automotive Manufacturers continue to make significant advancements to the capabilities of self-driving vehicles as they invest in the future and improve safety on our roadways. With these improvements to driving technology, it is essential that Pennsylvania remove barriers that deny residents' mobility solutions. Pennsylvania is the only state that outright bans the private ownership of level 3 vehicles.
 
Current level 3 technology provides “conditional driving autonomy” components to the driver. Capable of detecting surroundings, conditionally automated vehicles can make informed decisions for themselves. However, these vehicles require the driver to remain alert and take control when requested. For example, if the vehicle detects something ahead that it does not recognize it will inform the driver to intervene.

These improvements would make our roadways safer, help protect pedestrians and bicyclists, and offer solutions to distracted driving.

While we allow level 3 vehicles for commercial use, I believe it's time to introduce legislation to remedy Pennsylvania’s ban on this technology for personal use. This will allow drivers in Pennsylvania to use passenger vehicles equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this significant legislation to advance the development of highly automated vehicles within Pennsylvania and provide revolutionary mobility solutions.