§ 20-175.16.  Personal delivery devices authorized; operation; equipment.

(a) A business entity may operate a personal delivery device in a pedestrian area or on a highway, with the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under this Chapter, subject to the requirements and restrictions of this Part. Except as authorized in this Part, no person may operate a personal delivery device in a pedestrian area or on a highway in this State.

(b) Operation of a personal delivery device shall comply with all of the following:

(1) The personal delivery device shall be monitored by an operator who is able to exercise remote control over the navigation and operation of the personal delivery device.

(2) The personal delivery device may not be operated in a pedestrian area at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour.

(3) The personal delivery device may not be operated on a highway except as necessary to cross a highway or along a highway if a sidewalk is not provided or accessible. When operating along a highway under this subdivision, the following additional restrictions apply:

a. The personal delivery device shall be operated on the shoulder or as close as practicable to the extreme right of the highway in the direction of authorized traffic movement and shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.

b. The personal delivery device may not be operated on a highway at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.

c. The personal delivery device may not be operated on a highway with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.

(4) The personal delivery device shall obey all traffic and pedestrian control devices and signs.

(5) The personal delivery device shall yield the right-of-way to all human pedestrians.

(6) The personal delivery device shall not unreasonably interfere with any vehicle or pedestrian.

(7) The personal delivery device shall not transport materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. §§ 5101 - 5128) that require placarding pursuant to Subpart F of 49 C.F.R. Part 172 (49 C.F.R. §§ 172.500 - 172.560).

(c) A personal delivery device shall be equipped with all of the following:

(1) A marker that clearly states the name and contact information of the owner and a unique identification number.

(2) A braking system that enables the device to come to a controlled stop.

(3) When operated at night, lights on the front and rear of the personal delivery device that are visible and recognizable under normal atmospheric conditions from at least 500 feet on all sides of the personal delivery device.

(d) A violation of this section is an infraction. (2020-73, s. 2.)