Autonomous vehicles - Michigan

Type of vehicles allowed

• Non-CMV: Yes
• CMV: Yes

Automation level allowed: SAE 4-5

Testing only: Yes

Research or testing - Insurance required. Before beginning research or testing on a highway or street in Michigan of an automated motor vehicle, technology that allows a motor vehicle to operate without a human operator, or any automated driving system (ADS) installed in a motor vehicle, the manufacturer of the ADS or upfitter performing that research or testing must submit proof satisfactory to the secretary of state that the vehicle is insured (see MCL 500.3101 to 500.3179).

Research or testing requirements. A manufacturer of ADS or upfitter must ensure that all of the following circumstances exist when researching or testing the operation, including operation without a human operator, of an automated vehicle or any automated technology or ADS installed in a motor vehicle upon a highway or street:

• The vehicle is operated only by an employee, contractor, or other person designated or otherwise authorized by that manufacturer of the ADS or upfitter.
• The individual has the ability to monitor the vehicle’s performance while it is being operated on a highway or street in this state and, if necessary, promptly take control of the vehicle’s movements. If the individual does not, or is unable to, take control of the vehicle, the vehicle must be capable of achieving a minimal risk condition.
• The individual operating the vehicle may lawfully operate a motor vehicle in the United States.

An automated motor vehicle may be operated on a street or highway in this state.

When engaged, an ADS allowing for operation without a human operator is considered the driver or operator of a vehicle for purposes of determining conformance to any applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws and is deemed to satisfy electronically all physical acts required by a driver or operator of the vehicle.

Platooning: Yes. “Platoon” means a group of individual motor vehicles that travel in a unified manner at electronically coordinated speeds.

A person may operate a platoon on a street or highway in Michigan if the person files a plan for general platoon operations with the department of state police and the state transportation department before starting platoon operations. If the plan is not rejected by either the department of state police or the state transportation department within 30 days after receipt of the plan, the person is allowed to operate the platoon.

All the following apply to a platoon:

• Vehicles in a platoon are not considered a combination of vehicles.
• The lead vehicle in a platoon is not considered to draw the other vehicles.
• If the platoon includes a CMV, an appropriately endorsed driver who holds a valid commercial driver license must be present behind the wheel of each CMV in the platoon.

Full operation: No

Permit required: No