Self-driving cars are no doubt the future of transportation. Back in 2017, Georgia was the 6th state to enact autonomous vehicle laws.

As per current Georgia laws self-driving or autonomous vehicles are fully legal.

Georgia self-driving car laws

The following autonomous driving laws were enacted in Georgia:

• House Bill 472: This act specifies that laws prohibiting vehicles from following other vehicles too closely does not apply to non-leading vehicles in “coordinated platoon”. It also defines a coordinated platoon as a group of vehicles traveling in the same lane and utilizing vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to coordinate movements. View Bill (PDF file).
• Senate Bill 219: This bill defines automated driving systems, autonomous vehicles and other related terms. Bill also permits passengers without a driver’s license to operate an autonomous vehicle as long as the automated driving system is engaged. Bill also specifies conditions that must be met for a vehicle to operate without a human driver, and various registration and insurance requirements. View Bill (PDF file).

The minimum liability insurance coverage for driverless vehicles used to be 250% higher than minimum limits required for human drivers. However, this temporary provision expired in 2020.

Full current Georgia self driving car laws are below:

• (a) A person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle with the automated driving system engaged without a human driver being present in the vehicle, provided that such vehicle:

  • (1) Unless an exemption has been granted under applicable federal or state law, is capable of being operated in compliance with Chapter 6 of this title and this chapter and has been, at the time of its manufacture, certified by the manufacturer as being in compliance with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards;

  • (2) Has the capability to meet the requirements of Code Section 40-6-279;

  • (3) Can achieve a minimal risk condition in the event of a failure of the automated driving system that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain;

  • (4) (A) Until December 31, 2019, is covered by motor vehicle liability coverage equivalent to 250 percent of that which is required under:
    • (i) Indemnity and liability insurance equivalent to the limits specified in Code Section 40-1-166; or
    • (ii) Self-insurance pursuant to Code Section 33-34-5.1 equivalent to, at a minimum, the limits specified in Code Section 40-1-166; and
      • (B) On and after January 1, 2020, is covered by motor vehicle liability coverage equivalent to, at a minimum:
        • (i) Indemnity and liability insurance equivalent to the limits specified in Code Section 40-1-166; or
        • (ii) Self-insurance pursuant to Code Section 33-34-5.1 equivalent to, at a minimum, the limits specified in Code Section 40-1-166; and

  • (5) Is registered in accordance with Code Section 40-2-20 and identified on such registration as a fully autonomous vehicle or lawfully registered outside of this state.

• (b) It shall be the responsibility of the occupants of a fully autonomous vehicle to comply with the requirements of Code Sections 40-8-76 and 40-8-76.1 regarding the use of safety belts and child passenger restraining systems.

• (c) Unless otherwise provided in this Code section, fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and any commercial use or operation of fully autonomous vehicles shall be governed by this Code section, Code Sections 40-1-1 and 40-5-21, Chapter 6 of this title, and this chapter notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. No rules or regulations relative to the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems shall be adopted which limit the authority to operate such vehicles or systems conferred by this Code section.

Georgia self-driving car laws source:

• Georgia Code § 40-8-11. Operational rules for autonomous vehicles, under Title 40 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 8 – Equipment and Inspection of Motor Vehicles, Article 1 – Equipment Generally, Part 1 – General Provisions.