CAV Technology


As technology continues to rapidly evolve, travelers have grown accustomed to and now expect real-time information that will allow them to make informed decisions.

Automated vehicles (AV) are vehicles equipped with advanced sensors (radar, LIDAR, cameras, etc.) and computing abilities to perceive surroundings and activate steering, braking, and acceleration actions without operator input. Through the use of AV and CV applications, safety and connectivity for all modes of travel will improve.

The connected vehicle initiative uses leading edge technologies to quickly identify roadway hazards and alert drivers. Among others, these technologies include:

  • Wireless Communications
  • Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT)
  • Roadside Units
  • On-Board Units
  • Freight Signal Priority
  • Transit Signal Priority
  • Emergency Vehicle Preemption
  • Vehicle Sensors
  • Global Positioning System Navigation

 

FDOT’s Traffic Engineering Research Laboratory (TERL) works with the RSU providers and checks the devices for compliance with the Connected Vehicle Roadside Equipment Developmental Specification.  (This specification is found on the FDOT Developmental Specifications website).  Granting certification of the applicant’s product is based on meeting the applicable specifications. Products certified under the TERL processes are listed on TERL’s Approved Product List (APL).  Details on the TERL’s procedures can be found here.

FDOT has a testing facility at SunTrax for the industry partners to test their systems and technologies in a controlled real-world environment.

FDOT has also partnered with the University of Florida on Implementing Solutions from Transportation Research and Evaluation of Emerging Technologies (I-STREET Program).  I-STREET is designed to assist in implementing emerging technologies aimed at safety and connectivity improvements.

photo of connected vehicles technology

Gainesville Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) Trapezium Project Overview

FDOT has partnered with the City of Gainesville to deploy connected vehicle technologies and applications on four roads around the University of Florida’s campus to test the effectiveness of connected vehicle technologies to improve travel time, safety, and vehicle throughput. This project also includes bicyclist and pedestrian safety components. Learn more about this exciting project in this brief overview video.

Training Course

The CAV program developed  the  Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Training Course 101, a computer based training (CBT) to provide an introduction to CAV. To access this training link, users must first be logged into Learning Curve to see the course.

Last updated: May 2026

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