PennDOT opened the public comment period for newly drafted guidelines for the operation of highly automated vehicles 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.

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 at www.penndot.pa.gov/AV.

The comment period will close at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The HAV Advisory Committee was created in 2018 to advise and consult the secretary of transportation on each aspect of highly automated vehicles by developing technical guidance, evaluating best practices, reviewing regulations, and engaging in continuing research.

Act 130, signed into law November 2022, advanced Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in highly automated vehicle 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 highly automated vehicles while providing provisions for certification, regulations, and safety.