The California Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit against several state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), over regulations that allow self-driving trucks on state roads.
The lawsuit, seen by POLITICO before its official filing on Wednesday, claims that Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration improperly implemented these regulations.
The regulations, which were adopted in April, permit commercial trucks weighing over 10,001 pounds to operate autonomously on public roads. The Teamsters argue that these rules pose a significant threat to union jobs, potentially eliminating positions for over 200,000 semi-truck drivers in California. Julie Gutman Dickinson, an attorney representing the Teamsters, stated that the DMV failed to conduct a necessary economic study on the impact of these regulations, using an abbreviated process meant for minor updates.
Governor Newsom previously vetoed labor-backed legislation that sought to limit autonomous technology in heavy trucks, citing sufficient existing oversight. However, the Teamsters hope that the next governor, possibly Xavier Becerra, will be more receptive to their concerns. Becerra has expressed support for keeping drivers in the cab of autonomous trucks.
The lawsuit also highlights safety concerns, citing incidents in San Francisco where self-driving vehicles caused traffic disruptions. Despite these challenges, companies like Tesla argue that autonomous technology can improve road safety and address labor shortages. The DMV has not commented on the pending litigation, and the Department of Finance has yet to be served.
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