Dive Brief:
California is nearing the possibility of permitting driverless trucks weighing over 10,001 pounds on its highways, according to a former FMCSA administrator speaking to Trucking Dive. The state’s department of motor vehicles is wrapping up a 15-day public comment phase concerning updated regulations for the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. This brief period for public feedback indicates to Earl Adams Jr., a former deputy administrator and chief counsel of FMCSA, that California is poised to take the next steps.
“The limited timeframe for the revised proposal strongly suggests that the [California] DMV has effectively integrated the feedback received on the initial draft and is prepared to move forward to finalize the rules,” stated Adams.
Dive Insight:
In recent years, California has ramped up its efforts to establish guidelines for testing and deploying autonomous vehicles, particularly as other states like Texas have already permitted commercial operation of driverless trucks. A DMV spokesperson mentioned that the rulemaking process is expected to conclude by the end of April 2026.
One significant change is the elimination of the requirement for manufacturers to submit disengagement reports to the DMV, which has been replaced with a mandate to report any failures related to the dynamic driving task system. Additionally, companies operating under testing permits must provide monthly data to the DMV, while deployment data is required quarterly.
According to California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, the state’s primary focus is on safety. In a press release on Dec. 3, he emphasized that “these drafted regulations prioritize safety at every stage.”
Adams, who now serves as Vice President of public policy and regulatory affairs at PlusAI, mentioned another modification that simplifies the permitting process. The proposed change would allow autonomous vehicle developers to leverage up to 100,000 miles of driving outside California to apply for deployment permits, satisfying the state’s performance and safety criteria.
While safety concerns have been a significant hurdle in advancing autonomous vehicles in California, protecting trucking jobs remains a key priority, especially for labor organizations like the Teamsters. Adams noted that autonomous technology is being designed to tackle longstanding issues in long-haul freight, such as driver shortages and inefficiencies associated with hours-of-service regulations.
“The technology is not aimed at abruptly eliminating trucking jobs,” he said. “In fact, individuals entering the profession today can still expect to retire as truck drivers. The conversation isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about finding a balance between innovative advancements and workforce realities.”
