Autonomous vehicles: accident and incident reporting.

(1) Existing law establishes regulations for the operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roads for testing purposes by a driver who possesses the proper class of license for the type of vehicle being operated if the manufacturer meets prescribed requirements related to the vehicle's operation, insurance, and testing, as specified. Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to approve an application for operation if a manufacturer meets the requirements to satisfy the department that the autonomous vehicles are safe to operate on public roads. Existing law defines the terms "autonomous technology" and "autonomous vehicle" for these purposes. This bill would instead require the department to approve an application for operation as described above if the department determines that the autonomous vehicles are properly registered, licensed, and insured, as specified. The bill would revise the definition of "autonomous technology" to mean technology that has the capability to drive a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system and would revise the definition of "autonomous vehicle" to mean a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system. The bill would also define the terms "automated driving system," "dedicated highly automated vehicle," and "dynamic driving task" for the purposes described above. (2) Existing law requires the driver of every motor vehicle who is involved in an accident that results in damage to the property of any one person in excess of $1,000, or in bodily injury, or in the death of a person, to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days after the accident, as specified. Under existing law, it is unlawful and constitutes an infraction for any person to violate, or fail to comply with, any provision of the Vehicle Code, unless otherwise specified. This bill would also require the operator of an autonomous vehicle who is involved in an accident or incident that results in damage to the property of any one person in excess of $1,000, or in bodily injury, or in the death of a person, to make that report. The bill would require a traffic collision report prepared by a member of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or any other peace officer to specify if an autonomous vehicle was involved in the traffic collision in any manner. Because a violation of the bill's reporting requirement would be an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.