California adopts new rules allowing manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous vehicles

April 28 (Reuters) – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Tuesday adopted new regulations for autonomous vehicles, allowing manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty driverless vehicle technology on the state’s roads.

The new regulations also expand safety and oversight requirements for all classes of autonomous vehicles, the California DMV said in a statement. 

Here are a few details:

• The move lifts the ban on operating autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds (4,536.4 kg), opening California to autonomous freight operations.

• However, vehicles will still be required to stop at patrol stations and comply with state and federal commercial motor vehicle rules.

• Medium-duty autonomous vehicles up to 14,001 pounds will be allowed to be operated by public agencies and universities.

• In 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to prevent heavy-duty driverless trucks from operating in the state.

• The DMV had since been working toward developing a regulatory framework to lift that restriction.

• The new rules require manufacturers to begin with testing using a safety driver and progress to driverless testing before applying for commercial deployment.

• Manufacturers must complete 50,000 miles (80,467.2 km) for light-duty vehicles and 500,000 miles for heavy-duty vehicles for testing at each phase.

(Reporting by Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)