California issues draft regulations for operating self-driving trucks by Reuters

(Reuters) – California’s Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday issued draft regulations for the operation of self-driving vehicles on highways, paving the way for self-driving trucks to begin long-distance deliveries.

The state agency is planning a framework that would initially require safety drivers for both light and heavy duty operations.

The DMV is accepting written feedback on the draft language until October 14.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The draft regulation comes at a time when self-driving technology is facing increased levels of scrutiny from safety regulators in several cases of crashes and accidents involving the technology.

If approved, the regulations could be a huge win for self-driving startups, which are betting on the technology to grow and advance, and would also threaten trucking jobs.

CONTEXT

Self-driving cars from Alphabet (NASDAQ: ) Waymo and General Motors (NYSE: ) Cruise have met with regulators over incidents involving their self-driving vehicles.

A Waymo car hit a bicyclist at a city intersection earlier this year, while a Cruise vehicle was involved in a serious crash last year in San Francisco that prompted the company to take nearly a thousand cars off the road. roads.

Autonomous trucks have seen some success in deploying large rigs along pre-planned routes to deliver goods. Firms like Waabi operate autonomous trucks with safety drivers on planned commercial lanes, hauling goods for Uber (NYSE: ) between Dallas and Houston in Texas.

THE ANSWER

Reactions to the draft regulations were mixed. The Teamsters union condemned the rules, saying they threaten jobs and public safety.

“The regulations are an insult to California workers who already fear losing their jobs to automation,” said Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien.

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, on the other hand, welcomed the draft order, saying it was “an important step for the future of road safety and supply chain resilience in California.”

The bill comes one day after two autonomous vehicle safety bills passed the California Assembly. The bills mandate human operators in driverless trucks and require autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any vehicle collisions, traffic violations, among other things.

California Governor Gavin Newsom will need to sign the bills into law.