Updates to TRN-14.34 (Automated Vehicles)

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is updating TRN-14.34 (Automated Vehicles) to update requirements for testing automated vehicles (AVs) and to enable the deployment of AVs in Portland.

This administrative rule was adopted by City Council in 2018 and was intended to regulate the testing of AVs and limit the commercial deployment of AVs for-hire on Portland streets. Since then, AVs have become widespread and are active in over a dozen U.S. cities, with companies announcing plans to deploy in more than 20 cities in the coming year. PBOT has been engaging peers in other U.S. cities to learn more about the practical opportunities and challenges of AVs in urban environments.

In light of these developments, PBOT is proposing the following updates to TRN-14.34 that are designed to create a framework that enables PBOT to properly manage the testing or commercial operation of for-hire AVs onto our streets:

1. Adding a "For-Hire AV Permit" in addition to the "AV Testing Permit" this rule originally developed.
2. Adding the following permit conditions for Testing and For-Hire AV Permits:
   • Statement of Testing or Deployment Experience: To demonstrate the Entity's experience in other markets, including a disclosure of all reported crashes, injuries, and other reported incidents that negatively impacted the traffic system;
   • Statement and Map of Operational Design Domain: Requires Entity to share map where they intend to test and/or deploy and share conditions under which the vehicle will operate.
   • Passenger Safety Plan (applies to For-Hire AV Permits only): Describes policies and procedures to minimize risk for passengers.
   • First Responder Interaction and Disengagement Plan: Ensures first responders receive in-person trainings and have ready knowledge on how to manage AVs in emergency situations.
   • Public Outreach: Requires Entity to conduct at least two public demonstration outreach events annually and have public contact information.
   • Operating Requirements: Ensures Entity and passengers comply with federal, state, and local laws including all traffic and parking laws and regulations.
   • Vehicle Requirements: Ensures AVs meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements, City mechanical safety requirements for For-Hire AVs, are registered in Oregon, and are fully battery-electric.
   • Data Requirements: Requires trip level data to be shared to the City.
   • Data Privacy: Ensures Entity has privacy policies for passengers and complies with the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act.
   • Duties Following Crashes: Ensures PBOT receives collision reports.
   • Accessible Service Requirements (applies to For-Hire AV Permits only): Sets expectation that AVs will serve all Portlanders, including providing reasonable accommodations to passengers with disabilities.
   • Insurance: Sets insurance and liability requirements.
3. This administrative rule also lays out application fees and sets the expectation that permit fees and per-ride surcharges will apply to For-Hire AVs. These fees will be migrated to the Transportation Fee Schedule, TRN-3.450, upon the start of the new fiscal year.

Portland City Code Section 3.12.010 establishes the authority of the City Administrator to adopt administrative rules.

Per PCC 1.05and TRN 16.01 - Administrative Rules and Procedures, PBOT is publishing the proposed administrative rule for public comment. PBOT will be accepting public comment for this Tier II update until 5 p.m. on April 4, 2026. Comments on the proposed update may be submitted to [email protected]. After the public comment period ends, PBOT will post a summary of the comments received and discuss the public's feedback with City leadership before determining any next steps on automated vehicles.

A hybrid public hearing will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. City staff will give an overview of the proposed changes and allow time for testimony. The hearing will be held at the Portland Building (1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204) in Room 216. To attend the hearing virtually, register using the Zoom link. For those who plan on testifying at the hearing (virtually or in-person), please use this form to sign-up. Individuals interested in providing testimony/feedback will be limited to two (2) minutes each to ensure that everyone is able to be heard. Contact [email protected]with any questions regarding the hearing.

For more information regarding PBOT's approach to AVs, visit our new information page.