Alabama permits operation of fully autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks under specific statutes, allowing deployment without a human driver present if federal safety standards are met. Recent 2024 legislation expanded this to treat such networks like transportation companies, exempting rules meant only for human drivers.​
Autonomous Vehicle Rules
Alabama Code § 32-9C governs automated driving systems, requiring vehicles to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards and carry at least $2 million in liability insurance for commercial operations. No human operator is mandated, and testing or deployment on public roads has been allowed since 2019 laws for commercial vehicles.​
Drone Regulations
Alabama follows federal FAA rules for most drone operations, with state laws focusing on privacy, reckless use, and local restrictions rather than comprehensive new tech mandates. Operators need FAA registration for drones over 0.55 pounds, and voyeurism or surveillance with drones violates privacy statutes like §13A-11-30.​
Gaps in Oversight
Unlike states with pilot programs or strict testing permits, Alabama lacks dedicated cybersecurity mandates for AVs or drones beyond general data breach notifications. Federal NHTSA guidelines fill voids, emphasizing safety compliance without state-level AI-specific rules as of 2026. Local ordinances may add nuisances restrictions on drone flights near critical infrastructure.
SOURCES
[1](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-32/chapter-9c/section-32-9c-10/)
[2](https://www.hgdlawfirm.com/blog/alabama-passed-legislation-in-2019-allowing-for-the-deployment-of-autonomous-comm/)
[3](https://www.bakerdonelson.com/autonomous-vehicle-statutes-and-regulations-across-the-50-states)
[4](https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/FY-2024-2026-Alabama-Highway-Safety-Plan.pdf)
[5](https://www.thedriverlesscommute.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dentons-Global-Guide-to-Autonomous-Vehicles-2025.pdf)
