HARRISBURG — PennDOT opened the public comment period for newly drafted guidelines for the operation of highly automated vehicles (HAVs) on Pennsylvania roadways for the purposes of operations and testing.

Draft guidelines establish minimum requirements for the certification and operations of HAVs operated by a driver, present in the vehicle or from a remote location, or without a driver (driverless operations).

The draft guidelines were created in consultation with the AV industry and the Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee. The guidelines and instructions for submitting comments can be found on the PennDOT website. Pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 8510.2, the comment period will be open for 10 days and close at 5 p.m. Aug. 22.

The HAV Advisory Committee was created in 2018 to advise and consult the Secretary of Transportation on each aspect of HAVs by developing technical guidance, evaluating best practices, reviewing regulations and engaging in continuing research. The HAV advisory committee comprises state department, state and local elected officials, and industry and non-profit experts.

Act 130 of 2022, signed into law in November 2022, advanced Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in highly automated vehicle (HAV) research and development by providing for the regulation and operation of HAVs. The act, which took effect in July 2023, provides a path toward commercial driverless operations of HAVs while providing provisions for certification, regulations and safety. Act 130 designates PennDOT as the sole regulatory authority and directs the department to develop these guidelines for HAVs in the commonwealth. The first set of guidelines implementing Act 130 was completed in December 2023 and updated Publication 950 for HAV Operations with an HAV Driver present in the vehicle. When finalized, these guidelines will update and replace Publication 950.

More information on automated vehicles, operations and testing, regulations and initiatives can be found on the PennDOT website.