Comments Document
The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (“AVIA”) writes to express our opposition to HB 2627 as currently written. We encourage the Committee to vote against HB 2627 and to instead study autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) in advance of the 2026 regular session to develop a framework that supports the safe and swift deployment of AVs.
By way of background, AVIA has members in Virginia and is comprised of the world’s leading technology, ridesharing, trucking, and automotive companies. Our mission is to realize the benefits of AVs (i.e., SAE Levels 4- and 5-capable vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that are capable of driving the vehicle without human intervention) and support the safe and expeditious deployment of these technologies. With its broad array of technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, and transportation network sectors, AVIA welcomes this opportunity to engage with the Subcommittee and promote the safe deployment of AVs on Virginia roads.
It is our view that if Virginia chooses to take legislative action with respect to AVs, such action should be premised on (i) establishing a comprehensive AV program that allows for deployment of such vehicles through legislation, rather than regulation, (ii) removing impediments to the safe testing or deployment of such vehicles, and (iii) creating a pro-competitive and level playing field that allows all companies an equal opportunity to bring their technology to Virginia roads. AVs have the potential to usher in a new era of mobility, with incredible potential to make Virginia’s transportation system safer, more efficient, and more accessible. We strongly believe Virginia should support policies that increase access to safety-enhancing vehicle features like automated driving systems, and it is important that policies do not inadvertently foreclose a future with AVs.
However, as we do not believe HB 2627 as written would support AV operations in the state, we respectfully oppose the bill. We instead encourage the General Assembly to study AVs and develop legislation in advance of the 2026 session. Studying AVs would enable the Commonwealth to develop a thoughtful framework for AV deployment that reflects stakeholder input and enables the benefits of AVs to be brought to Virginia.
A letter with further detail is attached.
Comments Document
The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (“AVIA”) writes to express our opposition to HB 2627 as currently written. We encourage the Committee to vote against HB 2627 and to instead study autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) in advance of the 2026 regular session to develop a framework that supports the safe and swift deployment of AVs. By way of background, AVIA has members in Virginia and is comprised of the world’s leading technology, ridesharing, trucking, and automotive companies. Our mission is to realize the benefits of AVs (i.e., SAE Levels 4- and 5-capable vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that are capable of driving the vehicle without human intervention) and support the safe and expeditious deployment of these technologies. With its broad array of technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, and transportation network sectors, AVIA welcomes this opportunity to engage with the Subcommittee and promote the safe deployment of AVs on Virginia roads. It is our view that if Virginia chooses to take legislative action with respect to AVs, such action should be premised on (i) establishing a comprehensive AV program that allows for deployment of such vehicles through legislation, rather than regulation, (ii) removing impediments to the safe testing or deployment of such vehicles, and (iii) creating a pro-competitive and level playing field that allows all companies an equal opportunity to bring their technology to Virginia roads. AVs have the potential to usher in a new era of mobility, with incredible potential to make Virginia’s transportation system safer, more efficient, and more accessible. We strongly believe Virginia should support policies that increase access to safety-enhancing vehicle features like automated driving systems, and it is important that policies do not inadvertently foreclose a future with AVs. However, as we do not believe HB 2627 as written would support AV operations in the state, we respectfully oppose the bill. We instead encourage the General Assembly to study AVs and develop legislation in advance of the 2026 session. Studying AVs would enable the Commonwealth to develop a thoughtful framework for AV deployment that reflects stakeholder input and enables the benefits of AVs to be brought to Virginia. A letter with further detail is attached.