Several states have already updated their legislation in recent years to address the rise of self-driving trucks. For instance, South Dakota created a framework enabling fully autonomous trucks to operate without an onboard human operator in 2024. Similarly, Arkansas and Mississippi revised their rules in 2023 to permit truck platoons—without human drivers in trailing vehicles.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), while acknowledging the potential of autonomous technologies, has voiced concerns regarding their implications for highway safety and commercial transportation.

Delaware

Lawmakers in Delaware are tackling the issue of testing autonomous trucks without human safety operators. A similar bill introduced in the 2024 session aimed to ban autonomous trucks over 10,000 pounds from public roads. Although it passed the Senate unanimously, it failed to gain traction in the House.

Fast forward to 2025, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Newport, has introduced SB46, an almost identical bill. This version raises the weight limit to 26,000 pounds and includes provisions that prohibit autonomous trucks from testing, transporting goods, or carrying passengers without a human driver present. It also allows testing with a driver onboard and requires the Delaware Department of Transportation to submit a report evaluating this technology by 2030, which could lead to rule adjustments.

Unsurprisingly, some in the autonomous vehicle industry argue this legislation “preemptively and prematurely” restricts progress in Delaware.

Indiana

Indiana lawmakers are also discussing autonomous trucking with measures aimed at putting clear guidelines in place. Currently, Indiana law does not specify whether a human driver is required in automated vehicle platoons.

A proposed bill, HB1057, would mandate that autonomous tractor-trailers used for goods or passenger transport must have a qualified human driver physically in the vehicle. Sponsors of the bill, such as Rep. Cindy Ledbetter, R-Newburgh, have emphasized safety concerns, stating automated trucks without drivers could lead to accidents caused by technological failures.

HB1057, along with a similar bill, HB1377, is currently under review in the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

Maryland

Maryland legislators are discussing similar restrictions on autonomous vehicles. HB439, introduced in the House, proposes banning autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds from operating on state highways for testing, goods transport, or passenger services—unless a human driver is present. The bill also outlines a requirement for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to report by 2030 on the technology’s safety, impacts on jobs, and infrastructure, as well as whether the restrictions should be maintained, modified, or removed.

HB439 will be reviewed by the House Environment and Transportation Committee during a scheduled hearing on February 6, while the Senate will concurrently consider SB405.

Montana

Montana lawmakers are initiating discussions on regulating autonomous truck platoons. Currently, no rules exist for platooning in the state.

Rep. Zack Wirth, R-Wolf Creek, has introduced HB97, which seeks to authorize truck platooning on Montana highways under specific conditions. For instance, the lead vehicle “conductor” must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and be able to take manual control if necessary. Platooning would be limited to three trucks in a group and restricted primarily to interstate highways or within a short distance from interchanges for loading and unloading.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would be tasked with creating safety-focused rules and coordinating with stakeholders, including trucking industry representatives. The department could also impose limitations on platooning during hazardous road conditions and issue special permits based on the finalized safety standards. The MDT highlights that while truck platooning offers economic and transportation benefits, it also introduces significant challenges.

Virginia

Virginia lawmakers are also considering policies for fully autonomous trucks. Legislators have proposed HB2627, a bill allowing autonomous vehicles, including those over 62,000 pounds, to operate in the state. However, the legislation mandates that a human driver with proper credentials must be physically present and capable of taking control if necessary.

The bill is currently under review by the House Transportation Committee.

Source: Land Line

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Among its highlights, the new rest area boasts 35 truck and RV parking spaces, providing ample room for drivers to pause and refresh during their journeys. Safety upgrades include:

• Enhanced site, picnic structure, and building design to eliminate blind spots
• Comprehensive safety lighting across parking, sidewalks, picnic areas, and building areas, all powered by efficient LED technology
• Eight private restrooms equipped with LED lights and battery backups for uninterrupted functionality
• Robust security systems covering buildings and parking areas, complete with license plate cameras and surveillance infrastructure for enhanced safety and monitoring

A dedicated Law Enforcement Office has been established onsite, a groundbreaking initiative that will be utilized by the Broadwater County Sheriff, Montana Highway Patrol, and MDT Motor Carrier Services. This pioneering office marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the state.

The Headwaters Rest Area replaces the outdated and undersized facility previously located near the 19th Avenue interchange in Bozeman, Mont. Construction on this transformative project started in 2021, with an initial completion target of summer 2023. While facing some delays attributed to final project adjustments, the department has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering a superior rest area experience.

Though an issue with the water system briefly surfaced, it’s been resolved, leaving nothing standing in the way of the rest area’s opening. Truck drivers and travelers can now look forward to a revitalized rest stop equipped with top-notch amenities and cutting-edge safety features, courtesy of the Montana Department of Transportation.

Source: Land Line

Photo: Montana Department of Transportation

The post Truck Parking, Rest Area Opens Up for Truck Drivers in Montana appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Michigan, House Bill 4012 aims to address perceived “flaws” in how local roadway speed limits are set. The bill proposes flexibility in rounding down the 85th percentile speed, allowing local officials to set speeds within 5 mph of the 85th percentile. It also eliminates the requirement for an engineering and safety study for speed limit modifications.

New Jersey’s Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, focuses on using the 85th percentile formula to set speed limits on limited access highways. O’Scanlon believes this formula offers a more objective approach than relying on subjective decisions from officials.

In New York, identical bills (S2209 and A5044) propose increasing the speed limit for all vehicles from 65 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways and limited access roads. The change aims to align New York with the speed limits of many other states.

North Carolina’s House Bill 386, carried over from the previous session, seeks to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on certain roadways, provided it is deemed “reasonable and safe” by the state DOT.

Over the past year, Montana and Texas have revised speed limit rules. Montana’s Transportation Commission gained full authority to adjust speed limits throughout the state, while Texas authorized variable speed limits based on engineering and traffic investigations to address specific conditions affecting traffic flow.

As states continue to explore speed limit adjustments, these legislative efforts aim to strike a balance between traffic safety and the evolving dynamics of modern roadways.

Source: Land Line

The post New Speed Limit Rules Enacted in 6 U.S. States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.