Vermont has minimal specific regulations for self-driving cars and drones, relying largely on federal guidelines rather than comprehensive state mandates. The Agency of Transportation oversees an automated vehicle testing program but has not adopted detailed rules, leaving operations neither explicitly permitted nor prohibited beyond general safety standards.​
Autonomous Vehicles
State law requires the Department of Transportation to study self-driving vehicles and report recommendations, but no licensing, insurance, or deployment requirements exist as of 2025. Testing occurs under federal NHTSA exemptions like Part 555, allowing limited non-compliant vehicles without human drivers if safety is demonstrated.​
Drone Regulations
Drones follow FAA rules nationwide, with Vermont adding privacy protections under 13 V.S.A. § 2607 prohibiting surveillance without consent and local ordinances restricting flights near critical infrastructure. Commercial operations require Part 107 certification; recreational flights stay below 400 feet without permits.​
Gaps in Oversight
Vermont lacks AV liability frameworks or drone registration beyond FAA, prioritizing studies over bans amid slow adoption—few testing incidents reported. Emerging federal bills like S.1798 aim to ease FMVSS barriers, potentially influencing state approaches.
SOURCES
[1](https://legaleasesolutions.com/articles/autonomous-vehicles-on-public-roads-what-auto-companies-can-expect-from-the-legal-standpoint/)
[2](https://environmentalenergybrief.sidley.com/2025/06/17/department-of-transportation-announces-a-streamlined-regulatory-exemption-process-for-autonomous-vehicles/)
[3](https://finesandfeesjusticecenter.org/2025/12/22/2025-legislative-roundup-part-4/)
[4](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1798/text)
[5](https://www.thedriverlesscommute.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dentons-Global-Guide-to-Autonomous-Vehicles-2025.pdf)
