Governor Signs Bills Allowing Autonomous, Platooning Vehicles in Michigan
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder turned the bills governing autonomous and platooning vehicles into law Dec. 9. Senate Bills 995-997 had been passed overwhelmingly by both houses of Michigan’s Legislature.
“Michigan put the world on wheels, and now we are leading the way in transforming the auto industry,” Snyder said, flanked by a Ford Model-T and a self-driving Ford Fusion at the Automotive Hall of Fame Museum. “We are becoming the mobility industry, shaped around technology that makes us more aware and safer as we’re driving. By recognizing that and aligning our state’s policies as new technology is developed, we will continue as the leader the rest of the world sees as its biggest competition.”
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The move was applauded by Josh Switkes, CEO of Peloton Technology, a developer of connected and automated vehicle systems.
“With the signing of this landmark law, Michigan now leads the nation in the rollout of commercial truck platooning,” said Switkes. “We are proud to be working with forward-looking state leaders like those in Michigan who prioritize prudent, driver-assistive truck automation systems that will provide strong economic benefits and improve the safe, efficient movement of goods."
Senate Bill 995 allows operation of autonomous vehicles on Michigan roads where previously only testing of these vehicles was permitted. The bill also permits automated vehicle platoons and authorizes on-demand autonomous vehicle networks.
SB 996 outlines specific parameters for entities that wish to offer on-demand autonomous vehicle networks to the public. It is now PA 333. SB 997 recognizes the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run.
Snyder’s signature also created the Michigan Council on Future Mobility within the state’s Department of Transportation to make future recommendations on statewide policy in this area.
