A bill for an act relating to the operation of driverless-capable vehicles, including associated civil and criminal liability, and making penalties applicable.

This bill allows driverless-capable vehicles to operate on Iowa's public roads without a human driver present, provided they meet safety standards, comply with traffic laws, and have manufacturer certification. It specifically requires a human driver for vehicles transporting hazardous materials, with violations treated as a simple misdemeanor. The bill makes the vehicle owner legally responsible for injuries, property damage, or traffic violations occurring during automated operation, and holds modifiers of the automated system liable unless the owner directed the modification. These changes clarify liability for owners and ensure safety compliance without altering existing federal safety standards.