Are self-driving cars legal in Kansas?

Kansas legalized self-driving vehicles for commercial and personal use in 2022.

Autonomous vehicles are permitted if they comply with state and federal regulations and traffic laws and can reach a minimal safety condition, such as stopping on a road shoulder if the automated system fails.

Operators must meet state licensing, registration and insurance requirements. They must also provide the Kansas Highway Patrol with safety information, including contact information for a fleet support specialist and plans for first responders in the event of a crash or fire.

The legislation also created a legislative autonomous vehicle advisory committee to review the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in Kansas through July 1, 2027.

As of July 2026, autonomous driving is fully legal in 21 states. Eleven allow testing or limited pilot programs, while three permit autonomous vehicles under specific safety requirements and restrictions. Sixteen states neither explicitly ban nor permit them.