SB 452 - This act provides that the operation of an automated motor vehicle, as defined in the act, shall be subject to the same laws as conventional human drivers and conventional motor vehicles of the same classification. (Section 304.165.2) No automated motor vehicle shall be operated in automatic mode, as defined in the act, unless a person is occupying the driver's seat of the vehicle who is qualified by law to operate the vehicle, is trained in the operation of the automated motor vehicle, and has the ability to monitor the vehicle and take control of its movements if necessary. (Section 304.165.3)
A person occupying the driver's seat of an automated motor vehicle being operated in automatic mode shall be deemed to be operating the motor vehicle for purposes of enforcing the laws and regulations applicable to drivers and motor vehicles, including licensing requirements. (Section 304.165.4)
Where an automated motor vehicle is operated without a person occupying the driver's seat, this act shall impose strict liability on the owner of the vehicle for a violation of the requirement to have a qualified operator present in the driver's seat, and the owner of the vehicle shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1000. Where an owner-lessor of an automated vehicle operated without a person occupying the driver's seat identifies the person renting or leasing the vehicle at the time of the violation as provided in the act, the person renting or leasing the vehicle shall be subject to the fine instead of the owner-lessor. (Section 304.165.5-6)
This act is similar to HB 2059 (2020).
ERIC VANDER WEERD