Report on Washington State Regulations for Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles and Their Impact on Washington Wine

Washington State regulations allow for the use of autonomous vehicles in agricultural settings, including vineyards, as confirmed by the Department of Labor and Industries. Despite initial confusion among some growers, autonomous vehicles are permitted in Washington vineyards. The regulations do not specifically address autonomous vehicles but are open to their use, with investigations into incidents involving automated machinery conducted on a case-by-case basis. 

The Good: Opening Up AV Opportunity Washington 

The state is actively preparing for the arrival of autonomous vehicles (AVs) through the Washington State Autonomous Vehicle Work Group. This initiative involves diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors to develop recommendations supporting the safe operation of AVs on public roadways in the state. 

In 2024, SB 5594, was proposed to authorize the operation of AVs on Washington's public roadways, establishing regulatory and safety requirements governing their use. The bill allows local governments to exercise existing authority not conflicting with the legislation but prohibits them from prohibiting AV operation or imposing additional requirements like taxes or fees - and feel short of considering agricultural functions. 

The Bad: Aligning Washington to California’s AV Standards 

However, another proposal, SB 5872, introduced by Sen. John Lovick, sought to regulate AV operation more extremely by requiring a human safety operator to be physically present inside an autonomous vehicle when in operation to monitor performance and intervene if necessary. 

The Ugly: California’s AV Standards 

The California OSHA board's rulings continue to prohibit the use of autonomously driven tractors unless an operator is on board, posing significant regulatory hurdles for vineyard automation. 

AV company Monarch Tractor has been conducting field trials with autonomous tractors in California vineyards, and is advocating for state approval of autonomous tractor use, emphasizing the need to navigate strict guidelines on self-driving tractors in the state. 

From thorough research through Washington’s relevant RCWs and WACs, Washington’s regulation focus on autonomous vehicles in general, rather than specific applications like grape equipment. 

Winegrowers has emailed both above for more contacts and resources for further guidance to inform proactive and preventative efforts here. But overall, it appears California’s obstacles are primarily concerning outdated regulations that mandate a human operator at vehicular controls.

AV’s Potential Impact on Washington Wineries 

The regulations surrounding autonomous agricultural vehicles in Washington have significant implications for vineyards and wineries in the state. With the allowance of autonomous vehicles in orchards and ongoing efforts to regulate AVs on public roadways, Washington’s wine industry stands to benefit from increased automation and efficiency in their operations. The use of autonomous vehicles can enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve overall safety in vineyard management. 

In conclusion, Washington State's regulations regarding autonomous agricultural vehicles provide a framework for their use in orchards and beyond. These regulations, coupled with legislative efforts to prepare for AVs on public roadways, offer opportunities for enhanced mechanization and operational efficiency within Washington wineries.