Saturday, March 29, 2025
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has unveiled a proposal to allow testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks on public roads, a move that could bring autonomous technology to trucks over 10,001 pounds. The new regulation, announced on Friday, is aimed at paving the way for companies to test their autonomous trucks, similar in size to larger pickups like the Ford Super Duty or Ram.
Currently, states such as Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas have been allowing autonomous trucks on their roads, but California stands out as the only state with regulations that specifically prohibit such vehicles.
Public Debate and Potential Backlash
The proposal is expected to spark opposition from safety groups and labor unions. These stakeholders are raising concerns about the potential impact on jobs, as thousands of commercial truck drivers in California may face displacement due to automation.
In 2023, California lawmakers passed a bill requiring human drivers to be present in self-driving trucks, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it, arguing that existing laws on autonomous vehicles were adequate. The Teamsters union, which represents many truck drivers, had strongly backed the bill.
New Regulations and Oversight
If approved, the new rules would allow the DMV to closely monitor self-driving truck manufacturers, including more stringent data-reporting measures. For instance, companies would need to report any instances when trucks stop unexpectedly on active roads, as well as take steps to retrieve these vehicles.
The DMV has been proactive in regulating autonomous vehicles, including the suspension of permits for Cruise, a self-driving car company, after one of its cars struck a pedestrian in 2023 in San Francisco, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
Safety Concerns
Experts have warned that larger vehicles like heavy-duty trucks pose a greater risk to pedestrians in accidents, given their higher front ends. The proposal’s public comment period will remain open until June, and it remains to be seen how the debate surrounding these regulations will unfold.
