ween ¢ ‘ew onx | Department of lso.xus
Executive Deputy Commissioner STATE OF
Ve" | Motor Vehicles
6 EMPIRE STATE PLAZA + ALBANY, NY 12228
June 1, 2018
The Honorable Andrew Cuomo
Governor
State of New York
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
New York State has long stood at the forefront of cutting-edge technological advancement and
continues to raise the bar through the State’s pioneering autonomous vehicle testing pilot program. The
evolution of automotive development, particularly in the area of autonomous driving, has the potential to
make our roadways safer for all and save lives. Capitalizing on our spirit of innovation, leading
researchers have tuned to New York to help lead the way.
Together, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and New York State Police have proudly
overseen the pilot program, which began in May 2017. Authorized as part of the State Fiscal Year (SFY)
2017-2018 enacted budget, the legislation created a year-long pilot which allowed entities to apply to
DMV and State Police to test or demonstrate autonomous vehicle technology. Most recently, the pilot
program was renewed for another year as part of the SFY 2018-2019 enacted budget.
Applications may be submitted by manufacturers of autonomous vehicle technology, or
companies creating such technology working in conjunction with manufacturers. Alll vehicles have to
comply with federal safety Standards and all applicable New York State inspection standards. A person
holding a valid driver license must be present in the driver's seat at all times while itis operated on
public highways. The legislation also requires companies to submit a report on their demonstrations or
tests to DMV. DMY, in cooperation with the State Police, is also required to submit a summary report of
the pilot program to the Governor and legislature.
‘The program’s first-year was underscored by demonstrations by Audi of America and
Cadillac. New York’s first autonomous vehicle demonstration was conducted by Audi of America,
where the manufacturer showcased SAE Level 3 autonomous vehicle technology to officials in Albany,
New York. This demonstration was soon followed by Cadillac’s demonstration which launched the
nation's first cross-country, hands-free drive from Cadillac’s global headquarters in New York City; the
trip continued outside of New York and crossed 16 states and Washington, D.C. ultimately ending in
California.
dmv.ny.govAs prescribed in Part FF of Chapter 55 of the Laws of 2017, I am transmitting the required
summary report of those autonomous vehicle tests conducted in New York State this past year. The
participating companies were required to report details of tests to the State including the purpose, date
and location of the autonomous vehicle tests as well as impacts on safety and traffic control.
SUMMARY OF 2017-18 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTS/DEMONSTRATIONS
Pena nee
‘The company
Volkswagon —_| To showcase the Multiple trips occurrea | THEcompany
Group of company's level 3 over a seven-hour period; | (oho
America Inc. dba | automated driving | 6/19/2017 _ | the vehicle traveled ar
Audi of America | technology to NYS approximately 170 miles | Performed as
Inc. officials in the Albany area expected wikiino
safety issues
Nine vehicles were
operated in NYC from
Battery Park, alongthe —_| The company
‘To showcase the
hands-free
capability of the
General Soe FDR Parkway, and across_| reported that no
Motors 5 on ‘and allow | 2/25/2017 | the George Washington _| safety issues relating
Company ys Bridge into Njen route to_| to the system were
participants to use
and experience
the technology
Washington DCasthe —_| reported
national kick-off of the
Super Cruise technology
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Thank you,
Sincerely, y
=. fL8&<—
Theresa L. Egan
Executive Deputy Commissioner
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
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www.dmv.ny.gov