California Almost Ready To Let Self-Driving Semi Trucks Learn To Drive On Its Roads

California is a hotbed for the development of self-driving technology, but only when it comes to cars. Companies like Waymo already have robotaxi services available in parts of the state, typically based on the Jaguar I-Pace compact electric crossover.

Conversely, California is currently the only US state with a ban on testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks – specifically, vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds – but a new proposal aims to change all that.

On April 25, the California Department of Motor Vehicles released a proposal for new regulations that would allow the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks on the state’s roads. Some of the regulations outline the types of data-reporting requirements companies must meet, as well as restrictions on the types of cargo being transported. Companies would also need to conduct at least 500,000 miles of testing to eventually apply for a driverless testing permit, versus 50,000 miles for companies testing self-driving cars.

NHTSA Also Looking To Loosen Rules On Self-Driving Cars

The proposal came the same week that the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a framework from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration aimed at loosening regulations for self-driving cars. Under the framework, NHTSA seeks to remove certain regulatory barriers that have limited the development of self-driving cars in order to accelerate commercial deployment.

There’s still a long road ahead to getting the California DMV’s proposal passed. A public comment period is open until June 9, after which the DMV will host a public hearing to gather further input on the regulations.

Related

Tesla’s Answer To Uber Robotaxis Just Reached Beta Testing

Tesla’s Robotaxi service is officially live… but only in very specific places.

Some of the strongest opposition to the testing has previously come from the California Labor Federation and several Teamsters locals, which point to safety concerns and potential job losses if self-driving heavy-duty trucks become commonplace.

Companies Already Making Progress In Other States

Meanwhile, companies testing self-driving heavy-duty trucks in other states are making substantial progress. One of the leaders is Daimler Truck, which is developing the technology via its own subsidiary, Torc Robotics. Testing is taking place on stretches of highway in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Related

Daimler’s Self-Driving Semi Truck Hits The Road This Year

The company also wants trucks with Level 4 autonomous technology on the road within the next decade.

Currently, all testing on public roads still includes a safety driver behind the wheel, taking some responsibility in the event of a crash or failure. However, in April, Daimler Truck said it expects to have a truck capable of operating without a driver on board testing soon and available for sale as soon as 2027.

Companies like Daimler Truck argue that the technology can improve road safety, as self-driving systems remain alert and never tire. The more testing is done, the less risky the system becomes, but in the meantime, that safety driver is imperative.