by California is proposing updates to its autonomous vehicle regulations to expand and clarify testing standards.
The new rules could allow large trucks to test fully autonomous systems on California highways.
Passenger vehicle testers will face enhanced data reporting requirements and updated validation protocols.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (California DMV) has decided to update its autonomous vehicle regulations. If the proposed changes are adopted without modifications, it will allow companies in the autonomous transportation sector to test large trucks in the Golden State. It will also mean that all autonomous vehicle testers will be able to provide more data to the state. All this is happening at a time when the Trump administration is streamlining the process of putting cars on the road, including for companies like Tesla.
The California DMV has been working on autonomous vehicle rules and regulations for nearly a decade. They have been revised several times, and these latest updates appear relatively mild and progressive. Although the state is known for allowing companies like Waymo to test driverless taxis, it has never yet given the green light to large trucks. This could change.
One of the biggest changes will allow testing of semi-trailers and other large trucks with autonomous systems, meaning any vehicle weighing over 10,001 pounds, to begin testing in California. They will need to have a permit approved by the DMV, just as autonomous passenger vehicles already do, and undergo at least 500,000 miles of testing. These vehicles will also be strictly limited to certain highways.
Regulators also pointed out that large autonomous vehicles are already being tested in Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona, so in many ways, California is just trying to catch up with the times.
This is not the only proposed change. Regarding autonomous passenger vehicles, such as taxis and the future Cybercab, they will initially need to have a testing permit with a safety driver in the car. After that, they will apply for additional permits for driverless testing as each validation phase is completed. Overall, they will need to complete 50,000 miles of testing. Additionally, the rules require increased frequency and volume of reporting from autonomous vehicle manufacturers to the government.
Speaking about this, a California DMV representative noted that the proposed rules “offer the most comprehensive set of regulations for the operation of autonomous vehicles in the country and underscore the DMV’s commitment to improving public safety, promoting innovation, and establishing a robust platform for testing and deploying AV technologies.”
Of course, all this is happening in the context of streamlining the process. The proposed rulemaking program begins a 45-day period during which the public and private companies can submit comments on the proposals. The state will hold a public hearing on June 10 for further discussion.
