Did Uber have authorization to operated automated in AZ?
According my reading of AZ Executive Order #2018-04 [0], presuming they meet the guidelines established in provisions #2 and #3, they do:
2) Testing or operation of self-driving vehicles equipped with an automated driving system on public roads with, or without, a person present in the vehicle are required to follow all federal laws, Arizona State Statutes, Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, all regulations and policies set forth by the Arizona Department of Transportation, and this Order.
3) Testing or operation of vehicles on public roads that do not have a person present in the vehicle shall be allowed only if such vehicles are fully autonomous, provided that a person prior to commencing testing or operation of fully autonomous vehicles, has submitted a written statement to the Arizona Department of Transportation, or if already begun, has submitted a statement to the Arizona Department of Transportation within 60 days of the issuance of this Order acknowledging that:
a. Unless an exemption or waiver has been granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fully
autonomous vehicle is equipped with an automated driving system that is in compliance with all applicable federal
law and federal motor vehicle safety standards and bears the required certification label(s) including reference to any
exemption granted under applicable federal law;
b. If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic
driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal
risk condition;
c. The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of complying with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and
regulations of the State of Arizona, and the person testing or operating the fully autonomous vehicle may be issued a
traffic citation or other applicable penalty in the event the vehicle fails to comply with traffic and/or motor vehicle laws; and
d. The fully autonomous vehicle meets all applicable certificate, title registration, licensing and insurance
requirements.
2) Testing or operation of self-driving vehicles equipped with an automated driving system on public roads with, or without, a person present in the vehicle are required to follow all federal laws, Arizona State Statutes, Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, all regulations and policies set forth by the Arizona Department of Transportation, and this Order.
3) Testing or operation of vehicles on public roads that do not have a person present in the vehicle shall be allowed only if such vehicles are fully autonomous, provided that a person prior to commencing testing or operation of fully autonomous vehicles, has submitted a written statement to the Arizona Department of Transportation, or if already begun, has submitted a statement to the Arizona Department of Transportation within 60 days of the issuance of this Order acknowledging that:
a. Unless an exemption or waiver has been granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fully autonomous vehicle is equipped with an automated driving system that is in compliance with all applicable federal law and federal motor vehicle safety standards and bears the required certification label(s) including reference to any exemption granted under applicable federal law;
b. If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal risk condition;
c. The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of complying with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of the State of Arizona, and the person testing or operating the fully autonomous vehicle may be issued a traffic citation or other applicable penalty in the event the vehicle fails to comply with traffic and/or motor vehicle laws; and
d. The fully autonomous vehicle meets all applicable certificate, title registration, licensing and insurance requirements.
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[0] "Executive Order: 2018-04 - Advancing Autonomous Vehicle Testing And Operating; Prioritizing Public Safety" - https://azgovernor.gov/file/12514/download