Analyzing State Driving Laws for Automated Vehicles: Scholars Suggest Regulatory Reforms

Scholars Analyze State Driving Laws and Suggest Reforms to Regulate Automated Vehicles

In the wake of an incident where an automated vehicle injured a pedestrian in San Francisco, the California State Legislature has introduced two bills to clarify responsibility in such cases. This event has sparked a nationwide conversation about how to regulate automated vehicles as they become more prevalent on the roads.

Law professors William Hubbard and Colin P. Starger from the University of Baltimore School of Law have conducted a comprehensive analysis of state driving laws and their applicability to automated vehicles. In their forthcoming article, they argue that the current state laws are inadequate to effectively regulate this new technology. They have identified thousands of laws that are either ambiguous or irrelevant when it comes to automated vehicles.

One of the key issues highlighted by Hubbard and Starger is the lack of clarity in defining terms such as “driver” and “operator” in existing laws. They found that many laws targeting human drivers may not apply to automated vehicle systems, creating a regulatory gap that needs to be addressed.

The scholars focused their research on Maryland’s driving laws and regulations, identifying over 300 laws that need reform to accommodate automated vehicles. They also found an additional 539 laws related to terms like “driver” and “operator” that require revision.

Hubbard and Starger argue that the current lack of uniformity in state laws poses a significant challenge to the successful deployment of automated vehicles. They suggest that a partnership between federal and state authorities could be the most effective way to regulate this new technology. By developing “best practices” for automated vehicle reform and providing financial incentives for states to adopt these reforms, they believe a more cohesive regulatory framework can be established.

Ultimately, the goal of these proposed reforms is to ensure the safe and efficient integration of automated vehicles into our transportation systems. By updating outdated laws and creating new regulations specific to automated vehicles, Hubbard and Starger hope to pave the way for a future where this technology can revolutionize transportation without sacrificing safety.