California Proposes Regulations for Autonomous Trucks

California's Department of Motor Vehicles has proposed draft regulations for operating autonomous trucks on highways, requiring safety drivers for vehicles over 10,000 pounds. The regulations follow increased scrutiny after accidents involving self-driving vehicles and aim to address safety concerns while advancing technology for autonomous trucking. The Teamsters Union criticized the regulations, arguing they threaten jobs and public safety, while the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association supported them as a step toward improving safety and supply chain efficiency. A separate bill recently passed by the California Assembly also mandates human operators for driverless trucks, awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's decision. The DMV is accepting public comments on the draft until October 14, 2024, as it seeks to balance technological advances with workforce implications. The proposed framework could significantly impact the future of trucking jobs as well as the development of autonomous vehicle technology in California.