Autonomous vehicles - Arkansas

Type of vehicles allowed

• Non-CMV: No
• CMV: Yes

Automation level allowed: SE 4 – 5

Testing only: No

Platooning: Yes. Vehicles equipped with driver-assistive truck platooning systems may follow other vehicles closer than normally allowed. A “driver-assistive truck platooning system” means technology that integrates sensor array, wireless communication, vehicle controls, and specialized software to coordinate acceleration and braking between two or more vehicles with a human operator in the lead vehicle.

To operate a driver-assistive truck platooning system on a street or highway in Arkansas, a plan for general platoon operations must be filed with the State Highway Commission. Operation of a driver-assistive truck platooning system may occur upon approval of the plan; or 45 days after the submission of the plan, if the plan has not been rejected by the commission.

Full operation: Yes

Permit: Yes. An Autonomous Vehicle Program Application is available through ARDOT. Downloadable from https://www.ardot.gov/autonomous. Applications must be approved by the State Highway Commission.

The autonomous vehicle (AV) program must include:

• A statement of the commercial purpose of the AV program.
• Proof that the AV program complies with the minimum liability insurance coverage requirements for a motor carrier of property.
• A statement acknowledging that:
  • The AV or fully AV is capable of complying with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws of Arkansas and rules adopted by the Office of Motor Vehicle, including without limitation the laws and rules concerning the capability to safely negotiate railroad crossings.
  • The fully AV can achieve a minimal risk condition if a failure of the automated driving system (ADS) occurs that renders the system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task (DDT).
  • The AV or fully AV meets federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) regulations for the vehicle's model year, except to the extent an exemption has been granted, and all other applicable safety standards and performance requirements stated in state and federal law and rules adopted by the commission.
  • The remote operator of a fully AV involved in a motor vehicle accident can meet the requirements of §§ 27-53-101, 27-53-102, and 27-53-105.
• A description of how a fully AV is capable of meeting the requirements of a motor vehicle involved in an accident.

During the first six months of an approved AV program, a human operator will be required to be physically present in the vehicle. After completion of the first six months of the AV program, an application may be submitted to the Commission to remove the requirement of a human operator to be physically present in the vehicle.

Registration and title: Autonomous and fully AVs must be registered and titled under Arkansas law.

Operator licensing requirements: Yes. The human operator of an AV or fully AV and the remote operator of a fully AV are required to have a valid driver's license for the class of vehicle being operated.