California Moves Closer to Allowing Driverless Truck Operations
SACRAMENTO, CA – California regulators have revised proposed rules governing autonomous vehicles, potentially paving the way for the deployment of self-driving trucks on state highways as early as 2026. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released the updated draft regulations following a public comment period earlier this year, addressing concerns and feedback from industry stakeholders and labor groups.
The most meaningful changes center around the operation of self-driving trucks, a component of the proposal that initially drew considerable debate. Companies like Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI, many of which are based in California but test in states like Texas, are eager to utilize autonomous technology to transport freight along major commercial routes.
“The California DMV’s latest draft regulations show real progress toward creating a regulatory framework for driverless trucks in the state and unlocking coast-to-coast autonomous operations,” stated Daniel Goff, Vice President of External Affairs at Kodiak AI, in an emailed statement. ”These proposed regulations are a critical step towards bringing autonomous trucks to California freeways in 2026, a milestone that will enhance road safety and grow the economy.”
Under the revised rules, companies seeking to operate driverless trucks will be required to follow a phased permitting process, mirroring existing regulations for autonomous passenger vehicles. This begins with a permit for testing with a human safety operator, followed by separate permits for driverless testing and eventual deployment. Manufacturers will need to accumulate a minimum of 500,000 autonomous test miles - including 100,000 miles specifically within California’s intended operational areas – before being eligible for a driverless permit.
However, the proposal faces strong opposition from the Teamsters Union, which represents truck drivers. “Our position remains the same, we are opposed to the deployment and testing of this technology on our roads,” said Shane Gusman, Legislative Director for Teamsters California, in a statement to TechCrunch. “The changes that are made don’t change our position.”
The Teamsters are actively lobbying for the passage of Assembly bill 33 (AB 33),currently before the state Senate. This bill would mandate a human safety operator be present behind the wheel of any heavy-duty autonomous truck operating in California.
the DMV’s revisions also include updates to regulations affecting light-duty autonomous vehicles, such as robotaxis, requiring more frequent and detailed data reporting during testing and deployment, and also regular updates to plans for interacting with first responders.