On April 17, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the launch of Connecticut’s Fully Autonomous Vehicle Testing Pilot Program (FAVTPP).

Created by legislation that Malloy signed into law in 2017, FAVTPP is an initiative that will “help bring Connecticut to the forefront of the innovative and burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry.”

Under the terms of the program, interested towns and cities that would like to participate in FAVTPP and allow the testing of fully autonomous vehicles on their roadways must submit an application to the state. After a review is conducted, up to four municipalities will be selected for participation.

“Make no mistake, autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation, whether it is people looking for a safer and easier commute, more efficient and cheaper commercial transit, more precise ride-sharing and for-hire services, or beyond,” says Governor Malloy.

“These vehicles are going to be part of our lives soon and we want to take proactive steps to have our state be at the forefront of this innovative technology.”

The program has strict standards when it comes to the testing of these vehicles, as they can only be conducted through limited and controlled testing areas. In addition, participating municipalities will have to enter into agreements with autonomous vehicle testers.

The program is being administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Connecticut Insurance Department.