(a) When an automated driving system (ADS) installed on a motor vehicle is engaged:

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Terms Used In West Virginia Code 17H-1-9

  • ADS: means the hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis, regardless of whether it is limited to a specific operational design domain. See West Virginia Code 17H-1-3
  • Fully autonomous vehicle: means a motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system (ADS) designed to function without a human driver as a level 4 or 5 system under SAE J3016. See West Virginia Code 17H-1-3
  • State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10

(1) The ADS is considered the driver or operator for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws and shall be considered to satisfy electronically all physical acts required by a driver or operator of the vehicle; and

(2) The ADS is considered to be licensed to operate the vehicle.

(b) A fully autonomous vehicle shall be properly registered in accordance with the laws of this state. If a fully autonomous vehicle is registered in this state, the vehicle shall be identified on the registration as a fully autonomous vehicle. The requirements under this article relating to exhibiting a driver’s license and registration card are satisfied if the license and vehicle registration card are in the fully autonomous vehicle physically or electronically, and available for inspection by a police officer.