AUTONOMOUS VEH REQUIREMENTS
HB3044 would create a new regulatory framework in the Illinois Vehicle Code for autonomous vehicles. It defines an “autonomous vehicle” broadly and requires manufacturers to submit documentation and a filing fee to the Illinois Department of Transportation before selling or continuing to operate a new or used autonomous vehicle in the state, or before updating the software or hardware of an automated driving system. The bill also directs IDOT to create an Automated Driving Systems Review Committee to evaluate the documentation, determine the vehicle’s automation level under SAE J3016 standards, and decide whether the vehicle is suitable for use on public roads.
The bill would allow only Level 2 driving automation vehicles to be sold to consumers and registered in Illinois. It would prohibit the sale or public-road operation of Level 3, 4, and 5 autonomous vehicles, while allowing those vehicles only for limited manufacturer testing and transport to and from closed-circuit facilities under trained drivers. It also requires annual reporting by owners of approved vehicles on miles driven, automated miles, and collisions, and it gives residents a process to request review of existing vehicles. The bill further authorizes complaints against dealers, creates misdemeanor liability and impoundment for operating prohibited vehicles, and imposes penalties for unauthorized sale or modification of autonomous vehicles.
HB3044 would add a new Article X to Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and create new definitions, review procedures, reporting obligations, and enforcement tools specific to autonomous vehicles. It would significantly restrict the market for higher-level automated driving systems in Illinois by barring consumer sales and public-road operation of Level 3 through Level 5 vehicles, while establishing a state approval process for Level 2 vehicles and a public list of approved models and software/hardware versions. The bill would also affect manufacturers, dealers, vehicle owners, IDOT, and the Secretary of State through new filing, review, complaint, recall, and compliance requirements.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears precautionary and safety-focused, with a strong regulatory posture toward autonomous vehicle deployment. The inclusion of pedestrian, bicycle, disability, equestrian, and motorcyclist representatives on the review committee suggests an emphasis on public safety and broad stakeholder input.
The main point of contention is likely the bill’s categorical ban on Level 3, 4, and 5 autonomous vehicles for consumer sale and public-road use, which would be opposed by manufacturers, technology developers, and possibly some transportation advocates who favor broader deployment and testing. Another likely issue is the breadth of the review process and documentation requirements, including seasonal and hazardous-condition testing data, which could be seen as burdensome or difficult to satisfy. Consumer and industry concerns may also arise from the recall-and-disable requirement for previously sold vehicles and the misdemeanor/impoundment penalties for operating prohibited vehicles.