California is set to allow the testing of self-driving trucks on public roads, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to autonomous vehicle technology. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently published a set of proposals that would enable the testing of heavy-duty autonomous vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more, with a DMV-approved permit.
The state has been a leader in self-driving taxi technology, with companies like Waymo operating in San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, it has previously restricted the testing of larger autonomous vehicles, leading developers to focus on states like Texas. The new proposals would permit testing on pre-selected routes, primarily highways, but exclude city streets and certain vehicles, such as those carrying hazardous materials or bulk liquids, from testing.
The move comes after a political debate over the potential economic benefits and safety concerns of autonomous trucking. The Teamsters Union has opposed autonomous trucking, citing job security and road safety concerns. In 2023, the California Senate passed a bill requiring human drivers in self-driving semi-trailer trucks, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it, allowing the DMV to proceed with testing permits.
The DMV’s proposals also include updates for light-duty autonomous vehicles, such as enhanced data reporting and new procedures for law enforcement interactions. The public can provide feedback on the proposals during a 45-day comment period ending on June 9, 2025, followed by a public meeting for additional input.
California’s new regulations are part of a broader effort to establish comprehensive rules for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, aiming to enhance public safety and foster innovation in the industry. The state has been preparing these regulations since last August, as reported by IoT World Today and CNBC.
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