California is moving ahead with expanded rules for autonomous vehicles, with state regulators approving new guidelines that will allow testing and eventual deployment of heavy-duty self-driving technology on public roads.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced April 28 that manufacturers will now be permitted to test large autonomous vehicles, including freight trucks, under a phased system that begins with human safety drivers and progresses to fully driverless operations.
Under the updated regulations, companies must log significant testing miles before advancing. Light-duty vehicles are required to complete at least 50,000 miles at each stage, while heavy-duty vehicles must reach 500,000 miles. In addition, manufacturers must submit what the DMV describes as a “structured safety case,” demonstrating that their technology meets safety standards across hardware, software and real-world operations.
The rules also tighten oversight. Law enforcement agencies will now be able to cite companies for traffic violations involving autonomous vehicles, a shift aimed at increasing accountability as more driverless systems enter public roadways.
Emergency response coordination is another key focus. Companies operating autonomous vehicles must respond to first responders within 30 seconds, and local officials will have the authority to issue electronic geofencing orders that can redirect or remove vehicles from active emergency scenes.
State officials say the changes are designed to strike a balance between innovation and safety. “California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement, adding that the updated framework is intended to improve transparency and strengthen safeguards for the public.
The regulations also give local authorities the ability to establish temporary restricted zones where autonomous vehicles are not allowed to operate. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties, including permit limitations or suspension.
In a significant shift, the DMV is lifting its previous ban on autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, clearing the way for self-driving freight operations across the state.
Some portions of the new rules are already in effect, while others will roll out gradually over the coming months, according to the agency.
The move follows a 2023 decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto legislation that would have blocked heavy-duty autonomous vehicles from operating without drivers. At the time, Newsom argued that existing laws already gave the state sufficient authority to regulate the industry.
“Autonomous vehicle technology is evolving,” the governor said in a prior statement, “and the DMV remains committed to keeping our rules current as that evolution continues.”
