§ 4202. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Automated driving system” means the hardware and software that are collectively capable
of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis within its operational
design domain, if any, including achieving a minimal risk condition, without any intervention
or supervision by a conventional human driver, where applicable.
(2) “Automated vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is equipped with an automated driving
system.
(3) “Automated vehicle tester” or “tester” means an individual, company, public agency,
or other organization that is testing automated vehicles on public highways in this
State pursuant to this chapter including an automated vehicle manufacturer, municipal
or State agency, institution of higher education, fleet service provider, or automotive
equipment or technology provider.
(4) “Conventional human driver” means an individual who manually engages in-vehicle braking,
accelerating, steering, and transmission gear selection input devices in order to
operate a vehicle.
(5) “Dynamic driving task” means all the real-time operational and tactical functions
required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic within its specific operational design
domain, if any, excluding the strategic functions such as trip scheduling and selection
of destinations and waypoints.
(6) “Highly automated vehicle” means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system
capable of performing all aspects of the dynamic driving task within its operational
design domain, if any, including achieving a minimal risk condition, without any intervention
or supervision by a conventional human driver.
(7) “Manufacturer” means an individual or company that designs, produces, or constructs
vehicles or equipment. Manufacturers include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),
multiple and final stage manufacturers, individuals or companies making changes to
a completed vehicle before first retail sale or deployment (upfitters), and modifiers
(individuals or companies making changes to existing vehicles after first retail sale
or deployment).
(8) “Minimal risk condition” means a condition in which an automated vehicle operating
without a human driver, upon experiencing a failure of its automated driving system
that renders the automated vehicle unable to perform the dynamic driving task, achieves
a reasonably safe state that may include bringing the automated vehicle to a complete
stop.
(9) “Operational design domain” means a description of the specific domain or domains
in which an automated driving system is designed to properly operate, including types
of roadways, ranges of speed, weather, time of day, and environmental conditions.
(10) “Operator” means an individual employed by or under contract with an automated vehicle
tester who has successfully completed the tester’s training on safe driving and the
capabilities and limitations of the automated vehicle and automated driving system,
can take immediate manual or remote control of the automated vehicle being tested,
is 21 years of age or older, and holds an operator’s license for the class of vehicle
being tested.
(11) “Public highway” means a State or municipal highway as defined in 19 V.S.A. § 1(12). (Added 2019, No. 60, § 16.)