Driverless cars are now legal in Kentucky. Here's how they work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is now among dozens of states nationwide that allow self-driving vehicles on its roadways, a new phenomenon that may make drivers uneasy but also may be the future of transportation.

House Bill 7, which was passed in the state legislature, vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear (for a second-straight year) and then overridden by the legislature, went into effect Monday.

"Because of our location and access to interstates, we are a hub for moving people and products, so it is important that we have the framework in place," Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mt. Vernon, said in a written statement Wednesday.

The bill creates a framework for driverless cars on public highways. It requires a human back-up driver for the first two years — until July 31, 2026 — for autonomous heavy trucks weighing 62,000 pounds or more, though not for lighter vehicles. It also requires autonomous vehicle owners to obtain a minimum $1 million insurance policy for death or bodily injury.

"It kind of gives you the benefit of being able to have hands-free driving while still having control at the same time," said Jared Cotton with Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC in Clarksville, Indiana.

In vetoing the legislation last year, Beshear cited safety concerns and wrote that states that have authorized AVs have done so only after "careful study and consideration, and with extensive testing periods that require a licensed human being to be behind the wheel."

Beshear, a Democrat, is a close ally of organized labor, which has voiced concerns about AVs.

Kentucky joins 24 states that have explicitly authorized the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles since 2012, according to the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, a national trade group composed of driverless car companies like Google-linked Waymo and General Motors' Cruise.

Operators have to clear a number of hurdles before being allowed to deploy a car without a safety driver, including filing plans with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and state police.

Cotton said General Motors' "Super Cruise" feature recognizes the speed limit and can change lanes on its own. It can also sense oncoming traffic. According to its website, Super Cruise is the "first true hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads ..."

"The vehicle will start to slow down, sensing that truck is losing speed," Cotton said.

Coyle currently carries 17 driverless vehicles on its lot.

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