PRINTER'S NO. 1613
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
1096
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, RAFFERTY, RESCHENTHALER, VULAKOVICH,
KILLION, McGARRIGLE, BOSCOLA, BLAKE, YUDICHAK AND SABATINA,
MARCH 28, 2018
REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 28, 2018
AN ACT
Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for
definitions; in rules of the road in general, providing for
platooning; and providing for autonomous vehicles.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 102 of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions to read:
§ 102. Definitions.
Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent
provisions of this title which are applicable to specific
provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when
used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
* * *
"Highly automated work zone vehicle." A motor vehicle
equipped either with an automated driving system, or connected
by wireless communication or other technology to another vehicle
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allowing for coordinated or controlled movement, used in an
active work zone as implemented by the department or the
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
* * *
"Platoon." A group of individual military vehicles or motor
carrier vehicles operated by a human traveling in a unified
manner at electronically coordinated speeds at following
distances that are closer than would be reasonable and prudent
without such coordination.
* * *
Section 2. Title 75 is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 3317. Platooning.
(a) General rule.--Nonlead vehicles in a platoon shall not
be subject to the provisions of section 3310 (relating to
following too closely).
(b) Visual identifier.--All platooning motor carrier
vehicles must be marked with a visual identifier on the power
unit. The department, after consultation with the Pennsylvania
State Police, shall publish guidelines in the Pennsylvania
Bulletin establishing the criteria and placement of the visual
identifier. The guidelines shall be in effect until Federal
guidelines or regulations are promulgated.
(c) Restrictions.--A platoon shall observe the following
restrictions:
(1) A maximum of three vehicles shall be in a platoon.
(2) Vehicles in a platoon shall travel only on limited
access highways or interstate highways, unless otherwise
permitted by the department.
(3) The department or the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Commission, as applicable, may restrict vehicle movement
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under this section for operational or safety reasons,
including, but not limited to, emergency conditions.
Section 3. Title 75 is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 85
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Sec.
8501. (Reserved).
8502. Highly automated work zone vehicle.
§ 8501. (Reserved).
§ 8502. Highly automated work zone vehicle.
(a) General rule.--The department or the Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission, as applicable, shall authorize the
locations in Pennsylvania, on a periodic basis, to permit the
deployment of a highly automated work zone vehicle.
(b) Requirements.--When operating in an active work zone, a
highly automated work zone vehicle does not require a human
operator.
Section 4. This act shall take effect in 90 days.
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