Terms Used In Tennessee Code 55-30-108

  • ADS: means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event. See Tennessee Code 55-30-102
  • ADS-operated vehicle: means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system. See Tennessee Code 55-30-102
  • Driver: means :
    (A) For purposes of a conventionally operated vehicle, every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101
  • Vehicle: means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this chapter exclusively governs the authorization of the operation and use of an ADS-operated vehicle when the ADS is engaged and in high or full automation mode, including, but not limited to, commercial use of ADS-operated vehicles. For motor vehicles operated at any other level of autonomous technology, as defined by § 55-9-105(c)(6)(B), the motor vehicle and driver shall be held to the same laws as conventionally operated motor vehicles, including the financial responsibility requirements of § 55-12-102, unless an exemption is specifically set out for a vehicle operated with any level of autonomy.