The California Senate is currently addressing concerns surrounding autonomous trucks and other autonomous vehicles with multiple bills in motion. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recognizes the potential of rapid development in autonomous technology but has raised concerns about the challenges it poses for commercial vehicles and highway safety.
One bill that is making its way through the legislative process would prohibit the operation of autonomous vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds for testing, transporting goods, or transporting passengers without a human safety operator physically present in the vehicle during operation. The Senate Appropriations Committee recently voted unanimously to advance the bill to the chamber floor, following approval by Assembly lawmakers.
This isn’t the first time such legislation has been proposed in California. A similar bill was approved by state lawmakers a year ago but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite public workshops held by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to consider new regulatory processes for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles, Newsom deemed additional regulation unnecessary, citing existing authority for the DMV to regulate autonomous vehicle testing and deployment on state roadways.
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry has been a driving force behind the bills aimed at preventing the operation of autonomous trucks in the state. She argues that the presence of a human safety operator is crucial to ensuring public safety and protecting the livelihoods of trained trucking professionals. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, however, has criticized the legislation for disrupting the state’s regulatory process and believes that both human drivers and autonomous trucks can coexist in the future.
Another related bill, Assembly Bill 1777, focuses on strengthening public safety in areas where autonomous vehicles, including robotaxis, are operating. This bill imposes various requirements on autonomous vehicle companies and manufacturers regarding interactions with emergency response officials and specifies liability for vehicle code violations in certain situations. Assemblymember Phil Ting, the bill’s sponsor, emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety protocols and traffic laws are followed as autonomous technology becomes more prevalent.
As these bills continue to progress through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how California will navigate the intersection of autonomous technology and traditional trucking practices. The debate surrounding autonomous vehicles in the state underscores the need for comprehensive regulations that prioritize safety while also fostering innovation in the transportation industry.