Living in Miami, a day hardly goes by without seeing those small delivery robots zooming down sidewalks or crossing an intersection as they transport meals across the city. Now, these autonomous devices could face strict regulations.
On Tuesday, November 17, Miami-Dade County commissioners are set to make a final vote on a measure for sidewalk delivery robots that would cap their speed at 8 mph, keep them out of school zones during enforced hours and fine operators $250 to $500.
If passed, the rules establish that robots would have to stop fully before entering a crosswalk, and pedestrians would have the right of way. Additionally, they cannot sit idle on a sidewalk for more than 30 minutes unless they’re making a delivery.
The ordinance sets three speed limits:
- 8 mph on sidewalks
- 6 mph in high-pedestrian areas the county designates
- 10 mph in crosswalks
Plus, robots could not operate during the hours the school zone speed limit is enforced, and would be prohibited to block any crosswalks, curb ramps, fire hydrants, transit stops or bus loading spots.
Fines and what happens next
Under the measure, operators of the autonomous robots without a permit or the required insurance could face a $500 fine. Any other violation would cost $250 for a first offense and $500 after that.
If commissioners adopt the ordinance, it’ll take effect 10 days later. It would cover both the cities within the county and unincorporated Miami-Dade. However, each city may enforce the county rules or write its own.
You can learn more about it here.
