Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Testing and Operation Authorization for Municipalities

Municipalities may enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Maine Secretary of State, Department of Transportation, and Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, and Bureau of Insurance to develop, test, and operate AVs for public transportation use. An AV is defined as any vehicle that is equipped with a technology that has the capability to operate the vehicle without the direct control of the driver. A municipality that conducts an AV pilot must submit a summary report to the Maine Joint Standing Committee on Transportation (Committee) by December 1, 2021. Based on these pilots, the Committee may recommend legislation relating to the deployment of AVs in public transportation during the Regular Session of the 130th Legislature.

(Reference Maine Department of Transportation Rules 800)