(Reuters) – The California Department of Motor Vehicles released preliminary regulations on the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways, setting the stage for self-driving trucks to start long-distance deliveries.
The agency is developing a framework that would initially mandate safety drivers for both light and heavy-duty operations.
The DMV is seeking written feedback on the draft language until October 14.
WHY IT MATTERS
These draft regulations arrive at a time when autonomous driving technology is under increased scrutiny from safety regulators due to several incidents of crashes and accidents involving the technology.
If approved, these regulations could be a significant milestone for autonomous trucking startups looking to expand and innovate, potentially impacting traditional trucking jobs.
CONTEXT
Companies like Alphabet’s Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise have faced regulatory challenges following incidents with their autonomous vehicles.
For example, a Waymo vehicle collided with a cyclist at an intersection earlier this year, while a Cruise vehicle was involved in a serious accident in San Francisco last year, prompting the company to temporarily remove nearly a thousand cars from the roads.
Autonomous trucking has seen progress with the deployment of self-driving big rigs along planned routes for cargo delivery. Firms like Waabi operate autonomous trucks with safety drivers on designated commercial lanes, transporting freight cargo for Uber between Dallas and Houston in Texas.
REACTIONS
Responses to the draft regulations have been mixed. The Teamsters union criticized the rules, expressing concerns about job losses and public safety.
“The regulations are disrespectful to California workers who are already worried about losing their jobs to automation,” stated Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien.
On the other hand, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association welcomed the draft regulations, calling it “a crucial step for the future of roadway safety and supply chain resilience in California.”
The draft regulations were unveiled a day after the California Assembly passed two autonomous vehicle safety bills. These bills mandate human operators in driverless trucks and require autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any vehicle collisions and traffic violations, among other provisions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom must sign the bills for them to become law.