Introduction - Safe Testing of Automated Driving Systems

Part one of Safe Testing of Automated Driving Systems on Public Ways in Massachusetts

Table of Contents

Introduction

This document highlights safety elements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ program for permitting testing of automated driving systems (commonly referred to as autonomous vehicles). In addition to a review of the application and testing requirements, there are descriptions of testing operations provided below courtesy of Optimus Ride and Motional, two companies testing automated driving systems in the City of Boston and other areas in the Commonwealth.

The summary below details the safety-related requirements for testing vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS-equipped vehicles) on public roads in Massachusetts. These requirements are specified in the current versions of the MassDOT’s Application & Memorandum of Agreement. All motor vehicle laws and regulations applicable to human-operated vehicles are still applicable to ADS-equipped vehicles.

An application package consists of three elements, to be completed by any company or other entity which would like to operate an ADS-equipped vehicle on public roads:

  • Application to Test - Contains nine detailed response sections to be completed by the prospective testing entity. Requires documentation of prior testing experience (public ways and closed-course environments), a safety assessment, test driver training and operations protocols, and a first responder interaction plan. Requires certain information for test drivers, vehicles, and proof of insurance. The Application is reviewed by all participants and must be approved by MassDOT.
  • Testing Plan - Sets forth the roads which are available to prospective ADS testing entities. The Testing Plan has been defined by participating road owners in the Commonwealth (cities, towns, state agencies, and political subdivisions). Entities applying to test must indicate where, within the Testing Plan, such activities are anticipated to occur within the approval period (at most two years).
  • Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
    • Sets forth the definitions, application and approval process, and terms and conditions for testing. The MOA also outlines crash protocols, reporting requirements, terms of approval, and additional details for testing.
    • The MOA must be executed by the testing entity and MassDOT. If the Applicant intends to conduct testing on public ways under the control of participating state agencies, municipalities or other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, those entities must also agree to the MOA.

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