Press Releases
04/17/2018
Gov. Malloy Announces Launch of State’s Fully Autonomous Vehicle Testing Pilot Program
Interested Municipalities Must Submit Application to Participate in the Innovative Testing Initiative
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the launch of Connecticut’s Fully Autonomous Vehicle Testing Pilot Program (FAVTPP) – an initiative created by legislation that the Governor signed into law last year that will help bring Connecticut to the forefront of the innovative and burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry. Under the terms of the program, towns and cities that are interested in participating and allowing the testing of fully autonomous vehicles on their roadways must submit an application to the state. Upon review, up to four municipalities will be selected for participation.
“Make no mistake, autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation, whether it is people looking for a safer and easier commute, more efficient and cheaper commercial transit, more precise ride-sharing and for-hire services, or beyond,” Governor Malloy said. “These vehicles are going to be part of our lives soon and we want to take proactive steps to have our state be at the forefront of this innovative technology. We are showing this industry and those around the country that we promote the development of these kinds of forward-thinking, technology-driven products in Connecticut. We cannot allow our state to be outpaced as this technology grows.”
As required under the law, the program includes strict standards on the testing of these vehicles, only allowing them to be conducted through limited and controlled testing areas. Participating municipalities will have to enter into agreements with autonomous vehicle testers.
The program is being administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Connecticut Insurance Department.
To apply, interested municipalities must submit an application to OPM, which is available to download on the agency’s website. Municipalities that intend to apply are strongly urged to notify the point-of-contact that is listed on OPM’s website of their intent to submit an application as soon as possible.
Interested municipalities are also encouraged to review the “Required Minimum Framework for Agreements between Municipalities and Autonomous Vehicle Testers” document that is also available on the website. Prior to testing, a municipality that has been accepted into the FAVTPP will be required to submit to OPM a copy of its agreements with the relevant autonomous vehicle testers that includes those minimum terms listed in the framework document.
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