The Oklahoma State Senate recently passed a bill that authorizes fully autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads in the state without a human driver. Senate Bill 1541 passed the Senate by a 44-1 vote in March 2022. After passing the Senate, the bill passed through the state House of Representatives and was sent to Governor Kevin Stitt, who signed the bill into law on April 29, 2022.
What Would Oklahoma Senate Bill 1541 Change?
Senate Bill 1541 allows fully autonomous vehicles to operate on roadways with the vehicle’s automated driving system engaged. The vehicle’s owner must:
- File a law enforcement interaction plan with the Department of Public Safety, which advises law enforcement officers on how to contact a fleet support specialist, safely remove the vehicle from the roadway, and determine if the car is in autonomous mode
- Obtain liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million
- Ensure that the car will remain at the scene of any accident
- Report any accident that the car is involved in
- Register the car as required by the Oklahoma Vehicle Licensing and Registration Act
SB 1541 also permits the use of autonomous vehicles by ridesharing companies under Oklahoma’s Transportation Network Company Service Act, as well as by commercial vehicle operators. The automated system is considered the vehicle’s driver under relevant traffic and motor vehicle laws and regulations.
Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles on the Roadway
Advocates and critics of self-driving cars have cited numerous pros and cons of these vehicles. Some of the potential benefits of autonomous cars are:
- Fewer car accidents by eliminating driver error as a possible cause
- Improved traffic by programming the car to take the best routes
- More independence for people who cannot drive
- Reduced environmental damage with fuel-efficient routes and speeds
Potential issues identified with autonomous vehicles include the following:
- Possible security issues due to hacking
- Lack of fail-safe options if the autonomous system malfunctions
- Job losses, especially among rideshare, taxicab, and truck drivers
- Programming moral decision making into the autonomous system, such as having to choose between injury to the vehicle’s occupants or those outside the car
Which States Allow Autonomous Vehicles?
Most states permit self-driving cars, usually under various conditions. States that have passed legislation authorizing autonomous vehicles include the following:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
In addition, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Ohio have executive orders that permit the operation of autonomous vehicles.
What To Do in an Accident with a Self-Driving Vehicle
If you have been injured in an accident with an autonomous vehicle in Oklahoma, you should follow these steps:
- Stop at the scene of the accident. Make a note of its license plate number if the driverless car doesn’t stop.
- Call law enforcement to report the accident.
- Take photos and video of the crash scene and damage to the vehicles.
- See a doctor as soon as possible to be examined for injuries.
- Keep your bills, invoices, and other records of your financial losses.
- Contact a car accident attorney at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons to help you seek compensation.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
