Methodology
A 100-point model for AV readiness.
The framework measures market clarity, deployment permissiveness, and the operational questions AV teams need answered before launch.
Weighting
How points are distributed.
Enacted AV Legislation20
Testing Permissions15
Commercial Deployment20
Driverless Operation20
Insurance & Liability Framework10
Active AV Operations15
Tiering
Tier definitions
Tier 1
Open for Business
80 to 100
Tier 2
Framework in Place
53 to 79
Tier 3
Work in Progress
32 to 52
Tier 4
Early Stage
14 to 31
Tier 5
Effectively Banned
0 to 13
Scoring categories
Expand each category for scoring detail.
Enacted AV LegislationWhether the state has passed comprehensive AV legislation that defines autonomous vehicles, establishes operating requirements, and creates a regulatory framework.20
Enacted AV Legislation
Whether the state has passed comprehensive AV legislation that defines autonomous vehicles, establishes operating requirements, and creates a regulatory framework.
Scoring levels
20 pts: Comprehensive enacted legislation with clear AV definitions, operating rules, and oversight
15 pts: Enacted legislation with some gaps or limited scope
10 pts: Partial legislation (e.g., platooning only, definitions only)
5 pts: Executive order or task force only
0 pts: No action taken
Data sources
NCSL Autonomous Vehicles Legislative Database
State legislature websites
Governor executive orders
Testing PermissionsWhether the state allows AV testing on public roads, and under what conditions (permit required, safety driver required, geographic restrictions).15
Testing Permissions
Whether the state allows AV testing on public roads, and under what conditions (permit required, safety driver required, geographic restrictions).
Scoring levels
15 pts: Open testing permitted, no special permit required
12 pts: Testing with permit/registration process
8 pts: Limited testing (restricted areas, safety driver required)
4 pts: Pilot programs only
0 pts: No testing framework
Data sources
State DMV regulations
NCSL database
AV company filings
Commercial DeploymentWhether AVs can operate commercially (ride-hail, delivery, freight) and collect fares or fees from the public.20
Commercial Deployment
Whether AVs can operate commercially (ride-hail, delivery, freight) and collect fares or fees from the public.
Scoring levels
20 pts: Full commercial deployment permitted with clear pathway
15 pts: Commercial operations with permit/approval process
10 pts: Limited commercial operations (restricted geography or vehicle types)
5 pts: Pilot commercial programs only
0 pts: No commercial deployment allowed
Data sources
State PUC/DMV records
AV company operational data
CPUC decisions (CA)
Driverless OperationWhether fully driverless (no safety driver) operation is permitted, which is the key threshold for commercial viability.20
Driverless Operation
Whether fully driverless (no safety driver) operation is permitted, which is the key threshold for commercial viability.
Scoring levels
20 pts: Full driverless operation permitted
15 pts: Driverless with conditions (geographic, time, speed limits)
10 pts: Driverless testing only, not commercial
5 pts: Ambiguous — not explicitly prohibited
0 pts: Safety driver required or driverless explicitly banned
Data sources
State regulations
DMV permit conditions
AV company operating permits
Insurance & Liability FrameworkWhether the state has addressed insurance requirements and liability questions specific to AV operations.10
Insurance & Liability Framework
Whether the state has addressed insurance requirements and liability questions specific to AV operations.
Scoring levels
10 pts: Specific AV insurance requirements with clear liability framework
7 pts: Modified standard auto insurance with some AV provisions
4 pts: Standard auto insurance applies, no AV-specific provisions
2 pts: Under development
0 pts: No framework
Data sources
State insurance commissioner records
Legislation text
Industry filings
Active AV OperationsWhether AV companies are actually operating or testing in the state, which validates the regulatory environment.15
Active AV Operations
Whether AV companies are actually operating or testing in the state, which validates the regulatory environment.
Scoring levels
15 pts: Multiple companies operating commercially
12 pts: At least one company operating commercially
8 pts: Active testing by major AV companies
4 pts: Limited testing or announced plans
0 pts: No known AV operations
Data sources
AV company press releases
State permit records
Industry reports
News coverage