(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a commercial motor vehicle equipped with a teleoperation system may operate without a conventional driver physically present in the vehicle if a remote driver is operating the vehicle.
(b) When a remote driver is operating a commercial motor vehicle, the remote driver is considered to be the operator of the vehicle for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws, including the rules of the road, and for the purpose of any charge for a violation of Title 13A or this title. Extradition of a person charged pursuant to this section shall be governed by Chapter 9 of Title 15.
(c) The remote driver shall hold the proper class of license required for a conventional driver to operate the vehicle.
(d) When an accident occurs involving a commercial motor vehicle equipped with a teleoperation system, the requirements of Chapter 10 of this title shall be deemed satisfied if the vehicle remains on the scene of the accident and the owner or remote driver promptly contacts appropriate law enforcement entities and communicates the information required by Chapter 10 of this title.
(e) In the event of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle equipped with a teleoperation system, the remote driver who is operating the vehicle shall be subject to Section 32-6-49.13, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the remote driver is physically present. A remote driver is deemed to have given consent, subject to provisions of Section 32-5-192, to take a test or tests of the remote driver's blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining that person's alcohol concentration, or the presence of other drugs. Subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of Section 32-6-49.13 shall be deemed satisfied if the test or tests are administered in cooperation with local law enforcement officials in the jurisdiction where a remote driver is present. The results of any test shall be provided to Alabama law enforcement agencies.
Last modified: May 3, 2021