The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has introduced draft regulations aimed at governing the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways, with a specific focus on self-driving trucks used for long-haul deliveries.
Under the proposed framework, both light and heavy autonomous vehicles will be required to have safety drivers onboard. The DMV is inviting public comments on these drafts until October 14, providing an opportunity for community input.
These regulatory changes come at a time when autonomous driving technology is under intense scrutiny following several accidents involving self-driving cars. If these regulations are approved, they could provide a significant boost to autonomous trucking startups, enabling them to advance their technologies. However, there are concerns about potential job losses in the trucking industry as automation increases.
Major companies like Alphabet's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise have faced regulatory challenges after incidents involving their autonomous vehicles, including accidents at city intersections and serious crashes. On the other hand, autonomous trucks have shown promise in long-haul freight operations. Companies such as Waabi are successfully using safety drivers to transport cargo along planned routes in Texas, highlighting the potential benefits of automation in logistics.
Reactions to the DMV's draft regulations have been mixed. The Teamsters Union, a prominent labor organization representing truck drivers and other workers in the U.S., has criticized the proposal, arguing that it poses threats to both jobs and public safety. In contrast, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association has praised the draft, calling it \"an important step\" toward enhancing road safety and strengthening California's supply chain.
The draft regulations were released just one day after the California Assembly passed two safety bills. These bills mandate the presence of human operators in driverless trucks and require autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any accidents or traffic violations. The legislation is now awaiting approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom to become law.
Reference(s):
California drafts new rules for autonomous trucks amid safety debate
cgtn.com
