2019 Michigan Compiled Laws
Chapter 257 - Motor Vehicles
Act 300 of 1949 Michigan Vehicle Code (257.1 - 257.923)
300-1949-VI Chapter Vi Obedience to and Effect of Traffic Laws (257.601...257.750)
300-1949-VI-AUTOMATED-VEHICLES Automated Vehicles (257.663...257.666)
Section 257.665 Research or Testing of Automated Motor Vehicle, Technology Allowing Motor Vehicle to Operate Without Human Operator, or Any Automated Driving System; Proof of Insurance; Existence of Certain Circumstances; Operation; Michigan Council on Future Mobility; Creation; Membership; Chairperson; Recommendations; Plan for General Platoon Operations; Provisions Applicable to Platoon.
Sec. 665.
(1) Before beginning research or testing on a highway or street in this state of an automated motor vehicle, technology that allows a motor vehicle to operate without a human operator, or any automated driving system installed in a motor vehicle under this section, the manufacturer of automated driving systems or upfitter performing that research or testing shall submit proof satisfactory to the secretary of state that the vehicle is insured under chapter 31 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101 to 500.3179.
(2) A manufacturer of automated driving systems or upfitter shall ensure that all of the following circumstances exist when researching or testing the operation, including operation without a human operator, of an automated motor vehicle or any automated technology or automated driving system installed in a motor vehicle upon a highway or street:
(a) The vehicle is operated only by an employee, contractor, or other person designated or otherwise authorized by that manufacturer of automated driving systems or upfitter. This subdivision does not apply to a university researcher or an employee of the state transportation department or the department described in subsection (3).
(b) An individual described in subdivision (a) 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 shall be capable of achieving a minimal risk condition.
(c) The individual operating the vehicle under subdivision (a) and the individual who is monitoring the vehicle for purposes of subdivision (b) may lawfully operate a motor vehicle in the United States.
(3) A university researcher or an employee of the state transportation department or the department who is engaged in research or testing of automated motor vehicles may operate an automated motor vehicle if the operation is in compliance with subsection (2).
(4) An automated motor vehicle may be operated on a street or highway in this state.
(5) When engaged, an automated driving system allowing for operation without a human operator shall be considered the driver or operator of a vehicle for purposes of determining conformance to any applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws and shall be deemed to satisfy electronically all physical acts required by a driver or operator of the vehicle.
(6) The Michigan council on future mobility is created within the state transportation department. The council shall provide to the governor, legislature, department, state transportation department, department of insurance and financial services, department of technology, management, and budget, and department of state police recommendations for changes in state policy to ensure that this state continues to be the world leader in autonomous, driverless, and connected vehicle technology. The council created under this subsection shall consist of all of the following members, who shall serve without compensation:
(a) Eleven individuals appointed by the governor who represent the interests of local government or are business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility. The individuals appointed under this subdivision shall be voting members.
(b) One individual appointed by the governor who is representative of insurance interests. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(c) Two state senators appointed by the senate majority leader to serve as nonvoting ex officio members. One of the senators appointed under this subdivision shall be a member of the majority party, and 1 of the senators appointed under this subdivision shall be a member of the minority party.
(d) Two state representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives to serve as nonvoting ex officio members. One of the representatives appointed under this subdivision shall be a member of the majority party, and 1 of the representatives appointed under this subdivision shall be a member of the minority party.
(e) The secretary of state or his or her designee. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(f) The director of the state transportation department or his or her designee. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(g) The director of the department of state police or his or her designee. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(h) The director of the department of insurance and financial services or his or her designee. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(i) The director of the department of technology, management, and budget or his or her designee. The individual appointed under this subdivision shall be a voting member.
(7) The governor shall designate 1 or more of the members of the commission to serve as chairperson of the commission who shall serve at the governor's pleasure.
(8) The council created under subsection (6) shall submit recommendations for statewide policy changes and updates no later than March 31, 2017 and shall continue to make recommendations annually thereafter, or more frequently in the commission's discretion.
(9) A person may operate a platoon on a street or highway of this state 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 shall be allowed to operate the platoon.
(10) All of the following apply to a platoon:
(a) Vehicles in a platoon shall not be considered a combination of vehicles for purposes of this act.
(b) The lead vehicle in a platoon shall not be considered to draw the other vehicles.
(c) If the platoon includes a commercial motor vehicle, an appropriately endorsed driver who holds a valid commercial driver license shall be present behind the wheel of each commercial motor vehicle in the platoon.
History: Add. 2013, Act 231, Eff. Mar. 27, 2014 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 332, Imd. Eff. Dec. 9, 2016
Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 257.665, was repealed by Act 126 of 2000, Imd. Eff. May 30, 2000.
