Autonomous trucks have gained traction in some parts of the U.S., but until now, they haven’t been able to operate in California. | Source: Plus AI
The California Department of Motor Vehicles this week adopted new regulations that pave the way for autonomous trucks to test and deploy statewide, as well as expand safety and oversight requirements for all self-driving vehicles.
The California DMV’s new rules allow autonomous trucking companies to apply for a testing permit. They also require companies to demonstrate the safety of their technologies. Prior to the rule change, the state prohibited autonomous vehicles (AVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lb. (4,536.3 kg) or more from operating on roads.
“California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety,” stated Steve Gordon, director of the California DMV. “These updates support the growth of the AV industry by enhancing public safety and transparency while adding additional accountability for AV manufacturers.”
Heavy-duty AVs must still stop at California Highway Patrol weigh stations and comply with all applicable state and federal commercial motor vehicle requirements, the DMV noted.
Chamber of Progress welcomes rules for autonomous trucks
“This is a long-overdue step forward for the state that pioneered self-driving tech,” said Robert Singleton, the senior director for California of the Chamber of Progress. “California families and businesses will benefit from the lower costs, more resilient supply chains, and safer highways that autonomous trucks will deliver.”
The Chamber of Progress is a trade group that represents technology companies on issues such as antitrust law, content moderation, and self-driving cars. It noted that researchers have found that autonomous trucks could increase the number of U.S. jobs by as many as 35,000.
DMV rolls out new regulations for all AVs
In addition to opening roads to heavy vehicles, the California DMV updated regulations for all autonomous vehicles operating in the state. These include enabling law enforcement agencies to cite AV companies for moving violations committed by their vehicles, requiring AV companies to respond to first-responder calls within 30 seconds, and authorizing local emergency officials to issue electronic geofencing directives to clear AVs from active emergency zones.
Under the new regulations, local government emergency officials may issue a temporary “do not enter” or “restricted area” zone to manufacturers in response to a public safety issue. AVs are not permitted to enter this area for the duration of the incident.
Any AV already inside the zone must exit, and no additional vehicles may enter. AVs that violate this restriction may be subject to permit restrictions or suspension, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Other highlights of the new regulations include:
- Permitting criteria: Manufacturers are required to begin with testing using a safety driver and progress to driverless testing before applying for commercial deployment. Manufacturers must complete 50,000 mi. (80,467.2 km, light-duty) or 500,000 mi. (804,672 km, heavy-duty) of testing at each phase and prepare a structured safety case demonstrating the safety of vehicle hardware, software, and operations.
- First responder interaction: The regulations require annual updates to first responder interaction plans, access to manual vehicle override systems, two-way communication links with 30-second response times, and updated training requirements to ensure safe and timely interactions with first responders.
- Emergency response: Local emergency response officials can issue emergency geofencing directives to AV manufacturers and requires them to direct their fleets to leave the identified areas within two minutes of receiving such messages, to limit conflicts with AVs during active emergency situations.
- Remote operations: Establishes standards for remote operations personnel, including licensing qualifications and permitting and training requirements for remote drivers and assistants.
- Data reporting: The new rules modernize AV data reporting requirements, focusing on new safety metrics including system failures, vehicle immobilizations, and hard braking events. They also expand collision reporting and requires data on vehicle miles traveled.
- Enforcement tools: The California DMV is authorized to impose targeted operational restrictions on AV manufacturers — including fleet size, location, speed, and weather limits — when necessary for public safety.
- Medium-duty self-driving passenger vehicles: The rules allow AV transit vehicles up to 14,001 lb. (6,350.7) GVWR to be operated by public entities or universities, providing a new pathway for transit service innovation.
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