California issues draft regulations for operating autonomous trucks

Regulations on autonomous trucks: The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced draft standards for autonomous vehicles operating on highways, clearing the door for self-driving trucks to begin long-haul deliveries. The state agency is developing a framework that will first need safety drivers for both light and heavy load operations. The DMV will take written feedback on the draft's language until October 14.

Why are the new restrictions important?
 

The new restrictions come at a time when autonomous driving technology is under increased scrutiny from safety officials following several accidents and casualties employing the technology. If passed, the laws might be a significant success for autonomous trucking firms that rely on technology to develop and advance, while potentially threatening trucking jobs. Alphabet and General Motors provide self-driving cars. Alphabet and General Motors provide their Waymo and Cruise with autonomous driving technology and have clashed with regulators over accidents involving their autonomous technology.

A Waymo car had struck a cyclist at a city intersection earlier this year, while a Cruise vehicle was involved in a serious accident last year in San Francisco. These accidents have led to the company removing nearly a thousand cars from roads. The trucks that are equipped with autonomous technology have been seeing some success with deploying big rigs along pre-planned routes to deliver goods. Firms like Waabi operate autonomous trucks with safety drivers on planned commercial lanes carrying cargo for Uber between Dallas and Houston in Texas.

Respons to the draft:    

There have been conflicting reactions to the draft regulations. The Teamsters union criticised the rules, claiming they threaten jobs and public safety. "The regulations are an insult to California workers who already fear losing their jobs to automation," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said. On the other hand, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association held the draft order. The association stated that it is an important step for the future of roadway safety and supply chain resiliency in California.

The draft comes only one day after the California Assembly passed two laws aimed at improving the safety of driverless vehicles. The proposals require human operators in driverless trucks and mandate that autonomous vehicle manufacturers disclose any vehicle incidents or traffic offenses, among other things. Gavin Newsom, California Governor will have to sign the bills for the draft regulations to become law.

(with Reuters inputs)