AV Accessibility Act

This bill would stop states from making driver’s license rules for advanced self-driving cars (Level 4 or 5) that treat people with disabilities unfairly. It ties these rules to the Americans with Disabilities Act, so qualified people with disabilities must have equal access to use or ride in these vehicles .

It also tells the U.S. Department of Transportation to work with the National Academies on a study to make streets, sidewalks, curbs, and pickup areas easier and safer for people with disabilities to use ride-hail self-driving vehicles. The study can look at things like non-visual access, better curb management tech, and dedicated pickup/drop-off zones. The bill sets aside $5 million for this work, and the money stays available until it’s all used.

• Who is affected: People with disabilities, state motor vehicle agencies, and riders using ride-hail self-driving services.
• What changes: States could not issue licenses for Level 4 or 5 vehicles in a discriminatory way; a national study would guide accessibility upgrades for pickups and drop-offs.
• Funding: $5,000,000 for the study, available until expended.