A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 46.2 a chapter numbered 14.2, consisting of sections numbered 46.2-1419 through 46.2-1430, relating to automated driving systems; civil penalties; work group; report.
HB1125 would create a new chapter in Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia governing the commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles. The bill defines key terms such as automated driving system, dynamic driving task, DDT fallback, and related concepts that distinguish between human-driven and system-driven vehicle operation. Based on the caption and the opening text, the measure is intended to establish a legal framework for automated driving systems, including rules for commercial deployment, civil penalties, a work group, and a report requirement.
The bill appears to be aimed at regulating how fully autonomous vehicles may operate in Virginia, likely by setting standards for commercial use and clarifying responsibilities when an automated system is in control. It would add new statutory provisions rather than amend existing autonomous-vehicle language, and it would affect vehicle operators, autonomous-vehicle companies, and potentially state regulators responsible for transportation safety and enforcement.
HB1125 would add a new chapter to Title 46.2 of the Virginia Code, creating a dedicated statutory framework for commercial autonomous vehicle operations. The bill would likely affect transportation regulation, enforcement authority, and compliance obligations for companies deploying automated driving systems, while also establishing legal definitions that could be used across future autonomous-vehicle policy and litigation. Its caption indicates additional provisions for civil penalties, a work group, and a report, suggesting broader administrative and oversight impacts beyond the definitional section shown in the text.
There is limited recorded debate or voting history available for this bill, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from floor or committee discussion. The available context shows that the bill was left in the House Transportation Committee, which suggests it did not advance out of committee. The committee assignment to an Innovations (Ad Hoc) status on both chambers’ tracking also indicates the bill was treated as a technology and transportation policy proposal, but no recorded votes or transcript comments are available to show support or opposition.
The main likely points of contention would be the safety, liability, and regulatory implications of allowing commercial fully autonomous vehicles on Virginia roads. Potential concerns include whether automated driving systems can reliably perform the full dynamic driving task, how DDT fallback responsibilities should be allocated between manufacturers, operators, and the system itself, and what civil penalties should apply for noncompliance. Because no committee transcript is available, it is not possible to identify specific legislators or stakeholders who raised objections, but the bill’s failure to move out of committee suggests unresolved concerns or insufficient support.