Frequently Asked Questions for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are equipped with advanced technology to sense their environment and move safely with minimal human input. They utilize sensors such as cameras, radar, lidar, sonar, GPS, and inertial measurement units to detect obstacles, traffic, and road signs.

Most modern vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that provide enhanced safety for drivers and passengers. ADAS features are designed to prevent common accidents, such as lane change or rear end collisions. Autonomous driving – also known as ADS (Automated Driving Systems) – is the highest level of driving automation. In most contexts, autonomous driving refers to TOTAL automated driving. A car equipped with fully autonomous driving technology can operate without a human driver. 

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels:

• Level 0 (No Automation): The human driver is completely responsible for all actions required for controlling the car. Cars at this level may have a warning system that can warn us to act, but the car itself can't act on its own. The features are limited to providing warnings and momentary assistance. Example features include blind spot warnings, and lane departure warnings.
• Level 1 (Driver Assistance): The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on the vehicle can provide steering OR brake/acceleration support to the driver. It must be noted that the ADAS can only provide any one of these supports at a time. Example features include lane centering OR adaptive cruise control.
• Level 2 (Partial Automation): The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on the vehicle can manage both steering AND brake/acceleration at the same time, instead of just one or the other. Tesla's autopilot is classified as level 2.  Example features include simultaneous lane centering AND adaptive cruise control.
• Level 3 (Conditional Automation): The autonomous driving system (ADS) on the vehicle can perform all actions required for controlling the car in certain situations only. The driver must always be alert so that when the ADS requests, the driver must take control of the vehicle. Example feature is a traffic jam chauffeur.
• Level 4 (High Automation): Under limited conditions, the autonomous driving system (ADS) on the vehicle can monitor the driving environment and perform all driving functions required and will not operate unless all required conditions are met. Google's Waymo falls under this level, as it is limited by geofencing (limited geographic conditions).
• Level 5 (Full Automation): The autonomous driving system (ADS) will not require the driver to take over driving and it can drive the vehicle under all conditions. Vehicles in this level can be called truly autonomous.

• Safety: According to World Health Organization's Road Traffic Injuries Report, approximately 1.3 million people die each year because of road traffic accidents. It is said that one of the major factors for road crashes is human errors such as drunk or distracted driving. With the help of AVs, we can eliminate these costly human errors.
• Efficiency: A CAV energy impacts study indicated that adaptive cruise control if used by most vehicles, could increase lane capacity by up to 80%. Even decreasing the number of accidents could reduce congestion, because up to 25% of congestion is caused by traffic incidents.
• Environment: Reduced traffic congestion and maintaining a constant speed could significantly reduce fuel consumption and in turn reduce carbon emissions. A report from Ohio University states: "The transition to the new-age cars is expected to contribute to a 60% fall in emissions".
• Independence: Many seniors and people with disabilities are dependent on others for mobility. With the help of self-driving cars, tasks like going to the doctor, and visiting family could become easier for seniors and those with disabilities.
• Safety: According to World Health Organization's Road Traffic Injuries Report, approximately 1.3 million people die each year because of road traffic accidents. It is said that one of the major factors for road crashes is human errors such as drunk or distracted driving. With the help of AVs, we can eliminate these costly human errors.
• Efficiency: A CAV energy impacts study indicated that adaptive cruise control if used by most vehicles, could increase lane capacity by up to 80%. Even decreasing the number of accidents could reduce congestion, because up to 25% of congestion is caused by traffic incidents.
• Environment: Reduced traffic congestion and maintaining a constant speed could significantly reduce fuel consumption and in turn reduce carbon emissions. A report from Ohio University states: "The transition to the new-age cars is expected to contribute to a 60% fall in emissions".
• Independence: Many seniors and people with disabilities are dependent on others for mobility. With the help of self-driving cars, tasks like going to the doctor, and visiting family could become easier for seniors and those with disabilities. 

Iowa DOT is:

• Developing policies aligned with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.
• Upgrading infrastructure with intelligent work zones and real-time notifications.
• Participating in the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx).

Iowa DOT is:

• Developing policies aligned with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.
• Upgrading infrastructure with intelligent work zones and real-time notifications.
• Participating in the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx).

Yes, per Iowa Code § 321.514, automated vehicle testing is permitted if vehicles meet Iowa DOT and NHTSA requirements. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recommending that "test approaches should include a combination of simulation, test track, and on-road testing.

The ATC guides policy and technological advancements for automated systems in Iowa. Learn more on the ATC page.

Crashes involving AVs must be reported per Iowa Code § 321.266 and NHTSA regulations.

AVs must comply with Iowa DOT and NHTSA standards, including mechanisms for remote operator communication and clear identification.

Yes, AVs must follow Iowa Code § 321.323A, requiring drivers to slow down or change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles.

If a vehicle is operable, you must move it from the traveled portion of the roadway. Iowa Code § 321.262. In the instance of an AV this may be a remote operator.

AVs are expected to follow Iowa Code § 321.354 the same as any driver on Iowa’s roads.

• Enhanced lane markings for AV navigation.
• Deployment of real-time data.
• Intelligent work zone systems via WZDx.

Iowa DOT adheres to NHTSA cybersecurity guidelines to:

• Encrypt data exchanges.
• Secure AV data storage.
• Monitor vulnerabilities continuously.

The Iowa DOT follows best practices outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enhance cybersecurity for automated transportation systems. These measures include:

• Securing Communication Systems: Protecting data exchanged between vehicles and infrastructure from unauthorized access.
• Implementing Encryption Protocols: Safeguarding sensitive vehicle and user data through robust encryption techniques.
• Monitoring and Mitigating Risks: Continuously assessing potential vulnerabilities and applying software updates to address emerging threats.
• Layered Cybersecurity Approach: Ensuring AV systems can take safe actions in the event of a cyberattack to minimize risks to passengers and road users.

For more information on cybersecurity practices for modern vehicles, refer to NHTSA's Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles.

Automated vehicles must meet NHTSA safety standards and Iowa DOT registration rules under Iowa Code § 321. More specifically, the SAE level of automation of driverless-capable vehicles shall be listed in the registration of the vehicle per Iowa Administrative Code-380.4(321).

Yes, commercial AVs must provide proof of insurance, comply with federal and state rules, and register remote operators if applicable.

Companies are looking to pilot automated trucks on freight corridors like I-80 and I-35, addressing labor shortages and improving supply chain efficiency.

AVs streamline the transportation of goods from farms to processing facilities, lowering costs and improving delivery timelines. Learn more about AVs’ potential impact on agriculture logistics.

The Iowa DOT complies with privacy laws, anonymizing data while using aggregated information to improve safety. For details, visit Iowa DOT’s privacy policy.

Submit feedback directly via the Iowa DOT Contact Form.

Iowa DOT plans to expand testing, improve infrastructure, and explore automated transit solutions. For updates, visit the Iowa DOT Automated Transportation Overview.

While states like Texas focus on freight and Michigan emphasizes manufacturing, Iowa prioritizes scalable, safety-focused solutions. Learn more on the NHTSA website.

• Iowa Code § 321.514: Driverless-capable vehicle regulations.
• Iowa Code § 321.266: Crash reporting requirements.
• Iowa Code § 321.323A: "Move Over" law
• Iowa Code § 321.262: "Steer Clear" law
• Iowa Code § 321.354: Stopping Traveled Portion of Roadway
• NHTSA Automated Vehicles Guidance.
• Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx)