Autonomous vehicles - Kansas

Type of vehicles allowed

• Non-CMV: Yes
• CMV: Yes

Automation level allowed: SAE Levels 4-5

Testing only: No

Platooning: No

Full operation: Yes

Driverless-capable vehicle - operational requirements: A driverless-capable vehicle may operate on the public highways of Kansas without a conventional human driver with the automated driving system (ADS) engaged if the vehicle meets all of the following conditions:

• The vehicle can achieve a minimal risk condition if a malfunction of the ADS occurs that renders the system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task (DDT) within the system’s intended operational design domain (ODD).
• While in driverless operation, the vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of Kansas that govern the performance of the DDT.
• When required by federal law, the vehicle bears the required manufacturer’s certification label indicating that at the time of manufacture the vehicle has been certified to be in compliance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), including any reference to any exception granted by the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA).
• The driverless-capable vehicle cannot exceed 34,000 pounds on tandem axles until July 1, 2025.
• A conventional human driver is required to be physically present in every driverless-capable vehicle placed into service in Kansas for the 12 consecutive months from the date that the entity places a driverless-capable vehicle into service. This does not apply to a person who operates a:
  • Vehicle that is not designed, intended or marketed for human occupancy; or
  • Dedicated driverless-capable vehicle that lacks manual controls for operation by a conventional human driver.

Driverless-capable vehicle - Submission of interaction plan: Prior to operating a driverless-capable vehicle on the public roads of Kansas without a conventional human driver, the owner of such driverless-capable vehicle must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Kansas highway patrol that describes:

• How to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the times the vehicle is in operation, and on which side of the vehicle contact information of the fleet support specialist is readily visible.
• Information regarding safety considerations for first responders in dealing with a driverless-capable vehicle as the result of collision or fire.
• How to recognize whether the driverless-capable vehicle is in autonomous mode.
• Any additional information the manufacturer or owner deems necessary regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the operation of the driverless-capable vehicle.

Driver requirements: The conventional human driver must possess a valid driver’s license, required insurance, and must operate the ADS-equipped vehicle according to manufacturer specifications and must regain manual control when prompted by the ADS.

Registration and title: A driverless-capable vehicle must be properly registered and titled, and the registration and title must identify the vehicle as a driverless-capable vehicle.