PennDOT is Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Guidelines for the Operation of HVA’s

PennDOT is seeking public comment on proposed guidelines for the operation of Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs) on PA roads for the purposes of operations & testing.

As a state that has always been at the forefront of innovation and industry, it should come as no surprise that Pennsylvania is at the very epicenter of the rise in Highly Automated Vehicle (HAV) technology. Pennsylvania’s world-class research universities have continually served as a breeding ground for technological advances, with Carnegie Mellon UniversityOpens In A New Window known as the “birthplace of self-driving vehicles” and the University of Pennsylvania’s robotics research programOpens In A New Window is renowned worldwide. Without doubt, Pennsylvania has emerged as a leading location for on‐road testing of HAVs as they steadily advance toward practical use.

PennDOT has supported these advances in automation through the deployment of Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) Roadside Units (RSUs) at select signalized intersections to enable communications between the vehicles and the infrastructure. PennDOT has also been active in national efforts to develop uniform standards and practices for HAVs. With the pace of HAV innovation accelerating, Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll challenged PennDOT to take action to sustain Pennsylvania’s leadership in HAV research, while simultaneously ensuring that public safety remains the paramount priority as HAVs are tested on the roadways.

To submit a comment to PennDOT click here 

Please Note:

Use the applicable section of the form for comments on specific sections of the guidelines.
Avoid multiple form submissions where possible and one form per organization is greatly appreciated.
If the word limit is exceeded in a section, please use the general comments box. If there are further comments that cannot fit in one form, a second form is acceptable but please do not repeat anything.
Email penndotav@pa.gov if there are any questions or further assistance is needed.

PennDOT will make all reasonable modifications to policies, programs, and documents to ensure that people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency have an equal opportunity to provide feedback. To request assistance, email kevtobias@pa.gov or call 717-710-2086. If you have other questions or challenges, contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing beodot@pa.gov or calling 717-787-5891; TTY (711).