Pennsylvania - State of Innovation
As a state with a long history of innovation and industry leadership, Pennsylvania has played a pivotal role in shaping the Highly Automated Vehicle (HAV) landscape. Pennsylvania's world-class research universities have continually served as a breeding ground for technological advances, with Carnegie Mellon University known as the "birthplace of self-driving vehicles" and the University of Pennsylvania's robotics research program renowned worldwide. Additionally, Penn State University is making significant contributions to HAV development through its innovative research in areas such as autonomous systems and robotics. Without doubt, Pennsylvania has emerged as a leading location for on-road testing of HAVs as they steadily advance toward practical use.
In November 2022, Act 130 was signed into law, which legalized commercial operations of HAVs and provides provisions for HAV certification, regulations, and safety. This legislation authorizes an HAV to operate at Level 3, 4, or 5, as defined by the SAE, with or without a human driver on roadways in PA. Act 130 designates PennDOT as the sole regulatory authority of HAVs within Pennsylvania. In collaboration with the HAV Advisory Committee, PennDOT oversees and leads the development of rules that govern HAV operations. To ensure uniformity across the Commonwealth, Act 130 also prohibits municipalities from enacting their own HAV regulations. The Automated Vehicle Guidebook for Municipalities was created to assist local governments in preparing for the deployment of HAVs and addresses common questions and concerns from municipal officials, staff, law enforcement, and emergency service responders. If municipalities are seeking support or have questions, please email PennDOT at penndotav@pa.gov.
PennDOT has supported these advances in automation through testing HAV operations in work zones, and through support for certificate holders conducting HAV testing and operations in Pennsylvania. Among other HAV initiatives, an ADS Demonstration Grant, and SMART Grants, PennDOT has also been active in national efforts to develop uniform standards and practices for HAVs. With the pace of HAV innovation accelerating, PennDOT is committed to taking action to sustain Pennsylvania’s leadership in HAV research, while simultaneously ensuring that public safety remains the paramount priority as HAVs operate on the roadways. The image below highlights key milestones for Pennsylvania and its partners over the years.
