Relating to conventional human drivers physically present in certain driverless-capable vehicles, and making penalties applicable

Under current law, a driverless-capable vehicle is authorized to operate on the public highways of Iowa without a conventional human driver physically present in the vehicle if the vehicle meets all of the specified system and safety requirements. This bill requires a conventional human driver to be physically present in a driverless-capable vehicle if the vehicle is operating for commercial purposes and not personal use. Under the bill, a conventional human driver physically present in a vehicle operating in accordance with the bill must have the ability to monitor the driverless-capable vehicle’s operation and, if necessary, intervene by taking over the operation of the vehicle manually, including but not limited to by stopping and shutting off the vehicle. In addition, the bill requires such a conventional human driver to hold a driver’s license and any endorsement that would otherwise be required for the operation of the vehicle, and to comply with all applicable federal and state laws regulating automated and conventional vehicles. Under current law, special driver’s licenses and driver’s license types are required for the operation of different types of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and commercial motor vehicles (CMV). In particular, a person generally must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a CMV. A vehicle is considered a CMV based on the vehicle’s weight, design, and use. While transporting certain passengers or loads, different types of special CDL endorsements are required.8A(4)).