NV AB 511 (2011 — first AV statute)
Nevada AB 511 — First U.S. State Law Authorizing Autonomous Vehicles
Nevada · NRS Ch. 482A (2011 Nev. Stat. Ch. 461)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- June 17, 2011
- Applies to
- AV manufacturers, testers, and operators on Nevada public roads
- Enforced by
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles; Nevada Department of Public Safety
Nevada was the first U.S. state to legalize autonomous vehicles. AB 511 directed the DMV to write rules for testing and operating self-driving cars on Nevada roads, including a special license endorsement and an autonomous-vehicle testing license, and made Nevada the proving ground for the early Google self-driving project.
Who is protected: Nevada motorists and pedestrians sharing roads with AV testing
Legal detail
2011 Nev. Stat. Ch. 461 (AB 511); codified at NRS Chapter 482A (Autonomous Vehicles) and NAC 482A; defined 'autonomous vehicle' and directed the DMV to adopt testing, licensing, insurance, and safety regulations.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Nevada |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | June 16, 2011 |
| Citation | NRS Ch. 482A (2011 Nev. Stat. Ch. 461) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | License revocation; civil/administrative penalties under NAC 482A |
| Topics | government use of AI · consumer protection · automated decision-making |
| Bill text | Nevada Legislature — AB 511 (76th Session, 2011) |
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