California DMV Proposes New Regulations for Autonomous Trucks

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has put forward draft regulations aimed at governing the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways, a move that could mark a significant milestone for the self-driving trucking industry. The draft rules, released on Friday, outline a framework that would initially mandate the presence of safety drivers for both light and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles, according to Reuters.

The DMV’s proposal comes at a critical time, as autonomous driving technology faces increasing scrutiny from safety regulators following a series of high-profile crashes involving self-driving cars. Public and regulatory concerns about the safety of these vehicles have been growing, making the proposed regulations an essential step for the industry. The DMV is currently inviting written feedback on the draft regulations, with a deadline set for October 14.

If these regulations are approved, they could be a major boon for autonomous trucking companies, many of which are heavily invested in the technology’s potential to revolutionize long-haul freight transportation. However, the move also raises concerns about the future of traditional trucking jobs, which could be threatened as the technology advances.

Autonomous vehicles have had a mixed track record in recent years, with several incidents drawing attention to the challenges of ensuring safety. According to Reuters, self-driving cars from major companies like Alphabet’s Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise have encountered issues with regulators after accidents involving their vehicles. Notably, a Waymo vehicle struck a cyclist earlier this year, while a Cruise car was involved in a serious accident in San Francisco last year, prompting the company to temporarily withdraw nearly a thousand vehicles from the roads.

Despite these setbacks, autonomous trucking has seen some promising developments. Companies such as Waabi have been successfully deploying self-driving big rigs on pre-planned commercial routes, often with safety drivers on board. For instance, Waabi trucks are currently hauling freight for Uber between Dallas and Houston in Texas, showcasing the potential for autonomous technology to transform the logistics industry.

Source: Reuters