(Reuters) – California’s Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday released draft rules for autonomous vehicles on highways, paving the way for self-driving trucks to begin long-haul deliveries.
The government agency plans to establish a framework that initially requires safety drivers for both light and heavy operations.
The DMV is accepting written comments on the draft language until October 14.
Why is this important?
The draft regulations come at a time when self-driving technology is facing increasing levels of scrutiny from safety regulators due to multiple cases of accidents and collisions involving the technology.
If approved, the regulations could be a big win for self-driving trucking companies betting on the technology for growth and advancement, and they could also threaten trucking jobs.
Context
Self-driving cars like Alphabet’s Waymo (NASDAQ:) and General Motors’ Cruise (NYSE:) have run into trouble with regulators over accidents involving their self-driving vehicles.
A Waymo car hit a bicycle at an intersection in the city earlier this year, while a Cruise car was involved in a serious accident last year in San Francisco that prompted the company to remove nearly a thousand cars from the roads.
Self-driving trucks have seen some success in deploying large trucks along pre-planned routes to deliver goods. Companies like Waabi operate self-driving trucks with safe drivers on planned commercial routes, transporting goods for Uber (NYSE: ) between Dallas and Houston, Texas.
Reply
Reactions to the draft rules were mixed. The Truck Drivers Association condemned the rules, saying they threatened jobs and public safety.
“These rules are an insult to California workers who already fear losing their jobs to automation,” said Sean O’Brien, president of the Truck Drivers Association.
On the other hand, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association welcomed the draft order, saying it is “an important step for the future of road safety and supply chain resilience in California.”
The bill comes a day after the California Legislature passed two bills related to self-driving vehicle safety. The bills would require human drivers in self-driving trucks and require self-driving vehicle manufacturers to report any vehicle collisions, traffic violations and more.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to sign the bills into law.
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