Transportation (Autonomous Vehicles)

This bill establishes standards and requirements for fully autonomous vehicles operating on Maryland highways without a human driver. It defines key terms such as fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and operational design domains to clarify what qualifies under the law. The legislation requires these vehicles to safely reach a minimal risk condition if the system fails and ensures that data collected by them is subject to Maryland's Online Data Privacy Act. Additionally, the bill updates existing commercial and transportation laws to include specific provisions for autonomous vehicle operations and data handling.

HB 1295 establishes new rules for fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4/5 systems) operating on Maryland highways without human drivers. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" (like safely stopping) if their automated system fails, and mandates compliance with Maryland's vehicle laws unless exempted by regulations. The bill also explicitly states that data collected by these vehicles (e.g., location, sensor data) falls under the state's Online Data Privacy Act, requiring protection similar to other personal information. This directly affects manufacturers, operators, and passengers of fully autonomous vehicles operating in Maryland.