California autonomous vehicle regulations: balancing safety and innovation

Organizations such as the OOIDA recognize the advancement of this technology but warn about the challenges

In California, legislative efforts addressing concerns about autonomous trucks and vehicles continue in the Senate. Among these is the latest bill that bans the use of autonomous vehicles weighing at least 10,001 pounds for testing, cargo transportation, or passenger transport without a human safety operator present in the vehicle.

On August 15, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the bill. Given that the Assembly had already backed it with a margin of 63-4, if the full Senate also approves it, the bill will be sent to the governor. Organizations such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recognize the advancement of this technology but warn about the challenges to road safety and commercial vehicles.

Previously, state legislators approved similar legislation last year, but it was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposal emerged after public workshops in January and July 2023, organized by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to discuss new regulations for autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds.

Newsom argued that additional regulation was unnecessary, as the California Department of Motor Vehicles had the authority to oversee these vehicles. He also promised to publish a draft of the regulation for public comment in the following months, but it has not yet been released.

Balancing public safety and technological progress: the autonomous vehicle debate

On the other hand, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry has promoted bills to prohibit the operation of autonomous trucks in California without a human safety operator. Aguiar-Curry argues that there is no reason to allow the deployment of these vehicles without supervision, claiming that the rush to advance could jeopardize public safety and the jobs of truck drivers.

In contrast, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association criticizes the legislation, highlighting the importance of balancing the future of truck drivers and autonomous trucks, asserting that both can coexist and thrive.

Additionally, a related bill approved by the Assembly aims to enhance public safety in areas where autonomous vehicles, including robotaxis, operate. AB1777 would impose several requirements on autonomous vehicle companies and manufacturers regarding interactions with emergency response officials. The bill also specifies whether a driver or autonomous vehicle manufacturer is responsible for vehicle code violations in certain circumstances.

With this legislation, Assemblymember Phil Ting aims to ensure that safety protocols and traffic laws are upheld throughout the state. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to send the bill to the full Senate. If approved, it will return to the Assembly for changes approval before moving to the governor’s desk.