California proposes new regulations for self-driving trucks amidst safety discussions
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) unveiled draft regulations on Friday concerning the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways, specifically addressing self-driving trucks for long-haul deliveries. With public comments open until October 14, the suggested rules have elicited varied reactions, highlighting worries over job security and safety while also fostering enthusiasm for progress in autonomous technology.
TroibNews 
The California Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled draft regulations on Friday detailing the rules for operating autonomous vehicles on highways, including those for long-haul deliveries by self-driving trucks.
The proposed regulations initially mandate the presence of safety drivers for both light and heavy autonomous vehicles. Public comments on the draft will be accepted until October 14.
These regulations emerge amidst heightened scrutiny of autonomous driving technology following various accidents involving self-driving vehicles. If the rules are approved, they could aid autonomous trucking startups in advancing their technology, but they also raise concerns about potential impacts on trucking employment.
Companies such as Alphabet's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise have encountered regulatory challenges due to incidents involving their autonomous vehicles, including accidents at city intersections and serious collisions. Meanwhile, autonomous trucks have seen some success in long-haul freight operations, with firms like Waabi utilizing safety drivers to transport cargo along designated routes in Texas.
Reactions to the DMV's draft regulations have varied.
The Teamsters Union, a significant labor organization representing truck drivers and other workers in the U.S., condemned the proposal, arguing that it poses risks to jobs and public safety. Conversely, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association described the draft as "an important step" towards enhancing road safety and fortifying California's supply chain.
The release of the draft regulations coincided with the California Assembly's passage of two safety bills that require human operators in driverless trucks and obligate autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any accidents or traffic violations. These bills are pending approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom before becoming law.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
The proposed regulations initially mandate the presence of safety drivers for both light and heavy autonomous vehicles. Public comments on the draft will be accepted until October 14.
These regulations emerge amidst heightened scrutiny of autonomous driving technology following various accidents involving self-driving vehicles. If the rules are approved, they could aid autonomous trucking startups in advancing their technology, but they also raise concerns about potential impacts on trucking employment.
Companies such as Alphabet's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise have encountered regulatory challenges due to incidents involving their autonomous vehicles, including accidents at city intersections and serious collisions. Meanwhile, autonomous trucks have seen some success in long-haul freight operations, with firms like Waabi utilizing safety drivers to transport cargo along designated routes in Texas.
Reactions to the DMV's draft regulations have varied.
The Teamsters Union, a significant labor organization representing truck drivers and other workers in the U.S., condemned the proposal, arguing that it poses risks to jobs and public safety. Conversely, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association described the draft as "an important step" towards enhancing road safety and fortifying California's supply chain.
The release of the draft regulations coincided with the California Assembly's passage of two safety bills that require human operators in driverless trucks and obligate autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any accidents or traffic violations. These bills are pending approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom before becoming law.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
