California Proposes New Regulations for Testing Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks
California regulators have unveiled a proposal allowing the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks on public roads, marking a significant shift in the state’s autonomous vehicle regulations. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced these proposed regulations on Friday, which apply to vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds. This change will enable companies to trial autonomous technology on trucks similar in size to a Ram or Ford Super Duty pickup.
Currently, self-driving heavy-duty trucks are tested in states like Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas, while California remains the only state explicitly prohibiting such vehicles. The proposed rules, now open for public comment until June, may encounter opposition from safety advocates and labor unions representing the state’s commercial truck drivers. Concerns revolve around potential job losses due to automation, which have been exacerbated by a recent veto from Governor Gavin Newsom on a bill requiring human drivers in autonomous semi-trailer trucks.
The DMV’s proposal aims to enhance data-reporting obligations for companies testing these vehicles, including reporting instances when trucks stop unexpectedly on active roads. It also seeks to grant the DMV increased authority to implement "incremental enforcement measures" against companies, rather than revoking permits entirely. This is particularly significant following the 2023 suspension of Cruise’s driverless car permit due to a serious incident involving a pedestrian.
Research indicates that heavier vehicles like pickup trucks are more likely to result in fatalities in pedestrian accidents, which raises further safety concerns. As the public comment period unfolds, the outcome of these regulations could shape the future landscape of autonomous truck operations in California.
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