Summary:

 House Bill 148 (HB 148):  The Autonomous Vehicle Act establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the deployment and operation of autonomous motor vehicles on public highways in New Mexico.  

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 148 (HB 148):  The Legislative act recommends the following requirements:  
1.	Human Operator Requirement: Until 2036, autonomous vehicles must have a human operator present behind the wheel, capable of taking control of the vehicle at all times.
2.	Autonomous vehicles are restricted from operating autonomously in certain areas such as school zones, construction zones, and near emergency vehicles.
3.	Manufacturers must complete extensive testing (10,000 incident-free miles) and submit detailed annual reports on vehicle performance, including all incidents and malfunctions.
4.	Safety and Design Requirements: Autonomous vehicles must be equipped with data recording systems, dashboard cameras, visual indicators for system engagement, and mechanisms for human operators to take control.
5.	Vehicles must meet all state and federal safety standards and be capable of operating in compliance with New Mexico’s traffic laws.
6.	Insurance and Liability: Increased insurance coverage requirements are set for autonomous vehicles to ensure adequate financial responsibility in the event of accidents.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is given significant regulatory and oversight responsibilities, including the approval of vehicle testing plans and the monitoring of compliance with safety standards.  The stringent requirements for testing, human oversight, and incident reporting aim to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicle operations and build public trust in this emerging technology.

While the act supports innovation by allowing the testing and use of autonomous vehicles, it also imposes strict regulations that could slow the pace of autonomous vehicle deployment compared to less regulated states.  The increased insurance requirements could lead to the development of new insurance products tailored to the unique risks associated with autonomous vehicles.

The requirement for human operators in autonomous vehicles until 2036 may temporarily preserve driving jobs that might otherwise be displaced by fully autonomous systems.

Legal and Insurance Sectors: The new regulations are likely to stimulate activity in legal and insurance sectors due to new compliance requirements and the potential for increased liability issues.

By potentially reducing human error in driving, autonomous vehicles could contribute to safer roadways. However, the transition period that requires human oversight suggests a cautious approach to integrating these vehicles into everyday traffic.

Overall, the Autonomous Vehicle Act lays out a cautious yet structured path toward integrating autonomous vehicles into New Mexico’s transportation ecosystem, balancing innovation with public safety and regulatory oversight.