AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55 and Title 65, relative to autonomous vehicles.
Summary
SB0310 amends Tennessee’s autonomous vehicle law to create a distinction between general ADS-operated vehicles and those used for commercial transportation. Under current law, an autonomous driving system (ADS)-operated vehicle may operate on Tennessee streets and highways without a human driver physically present when the ADS is engaged. The bill preserves that rule generally, but adds an exception for ADS-operated vehicles used to transport property for hire or compensation in interstate commerce, or to transport passengers for hire or compensation.
For those commercial uses, the vehicle could not operate with the ADS engaged unless a human driver is seated in the driver’s seat, actively monitoring the vehicle, able to take physical control if needed, and properly licensed for the vehicle class. The vehicle would also still need to satisfy the existing conditions that apply to ADS-operated vehicles under subsection (a). The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill narrows Tennessee’s existing autonomous vehicle authorization by imposing a human-driver requirement on commercial autonomous freight and passenger operations, while leaving noncommercial or other ADS-operated vehicles subject to the broader no-driver-present rule. It would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55 and Title 65, specifically Section 55-30-103, and would affect autonomous vehicle operators, commercial carriers, rideshare or passenger transport services using ADS technology, and interstate property transport businesses.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to take a cautious regulatory approach to autonomous vehicles, especially in commercial settings, by requiring human oversight rather than fully driverless operation.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between innovation and safety: supporters may view the bill as a prudent safeguard for passenger and freight transport, while opponents may see it as limiting deployment of autonomous technology and reducing the operational benefits of driverless systems. The specific requirement for a human driver in commercial ADS vehicles suggests concern about accountability, intervention capability, and licensing standards in higher-stakes transportation uses.