Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in the District
Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, are vehicles capable of sensing their environment and operating without human involvement, using technologies such as radar, LiDAR, and computer vision. AVs have the potential to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility. The exact impacts of AVs will depend on the business models and vehicle types. Shuttles, robotaxis, and local goods delivery are among the most likely use cases for the District.
To learn more about how the District is preparing for Autonomous Vehicles, please visit the Autonomous Vehicles Working Group webpage.
AV Testing
The District currently only allows testing of AVs. Per D.C. Official Code § 50–2352.01(d), all testing must have an operator behind the wheel, ready to take over from the automated driving system (the computer driver) if needed. Companies or people that wish to bring in a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system (SAE Levels 3-5) into the District must notify DDOT at least 10 business days before testing commences and report any crashes that occur while the automated driving system is engaged. The testing notification form is at https://arcg.is/05i9Le.
These requirements apply to the roadways owned by the District, which are most, but not all, of the roads in the District. This map summarizes roadway ownership, and testing parties are encouraged to contact the relevant road owners if they wish to travel on roads not controlled by the District: https://arcg.is/1OOGXi0.
AVs on District Streets
The entities that have notified DDOT of their testing activities are:
- Waymo
- Zoox
- Beep, Inc.
- Nuro, Inc. (short term, currently inactive)
- Perrone Robotics (short term, currently inactive)
To contact DDOT about any concerns related to AVs, please email [email protected] or call 202-671-2700.