Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Operation Authorization

AVs may operate on public roads without a driver present in the vehicle if the AV meets the following requirements:

• It complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards;
• It is capable of reaching a reasonably safe state in the event that the automated driving system fails; and
• It is registered in the state as an AV that can operate without any supervision by a driver

An AV is defined as any vehicle that is equipped with a technology that has the capability to operate the vehicle without the direct control of the driver.

(Reference Tennessee Code 55-8-202)