In 2020, legislation was enacted creating the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Self-Certification Testing Pilot Program within the Department of Licensing (DOL).  The program becomes effective October 1, 2022.  The following requirements apply to self-certifying entities under the program:

• the entity must provide contact information, information on testing locations, vehicle identification numbers, proof of insurance, and information on any collisions and moving violations involving AVs on public roads;
• the entity operating AVs on public roads must obtain an umbrella liability insurance policy that covers a minimum of $5 million per occurrence for damages by reason of bodily injury or death or property damage caused by an AV; and
• the entity must provide advance notice to all law enforcement agencies that there will be testing of AVs on public roads in the agency's jurisdiction over a specified period of time.   

The bill as referred to committee not considered.

The information required to be provided by a self-certifying entity is revised to include the zip codes, rather than the local jurisdictions, where testing is planned, and the number count of the AVs being tested.

Self-certifying entities testing AVs on public roadways must annually report collisions involving AVs.  The requirement to report moving violations is removed.

Self-certifying entities testing AVs on public roadways must provide to DOL a law enforcement interaction plan, which includes information on how to interact with the vehicle in emergency and traffic enforcement situations, and the expected period of time during which testing will occur.  The requirement to provide written notice in advance of testing to local and state law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over any of the public roadways on which testing will occur is removed. 

The law enforcement interaction plan must be provided in advance of testing, include contact information where law enforcement agencies can communicate with the self-certifying entity, and provide the physical description of the AVs being tested, including make, model, color, and license plate number.

The information to which DOL must provide public access regarding self-certifying entities is revised to include nonconfidential business information.  

PRO:  Washington State can be a leader in AV development.  The bill is a work in progress.  The AV industry requests some changes to the AV testing program to help facilitate the testing.  The bill amends Washington's AV law to make it more consistent with other states' AV testing laws.  AVs can really help with grocery deliveries, closing the accessibility gap, and providing safer streets.  The bill encourages AV testing and investment in Washington State.  The industry is committed to working with stakeholders to find language that works for all.  AVs have the potential to reducing traffic fatalities.

CON:  The AV work group's original recommendations ended up as current law.  This bill unwinds those recommendations.