California Considers Testing Self-Driving Heavy Trucks

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has proposed regulations to allow testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks, defined as those over 10,001 pounds, on designated public highways while largely banning their use on city streets. Operations involving hazardous materials, passengers, or household moves remain prohibited. The proposal includes enhanced data-reporting requirements and mandates that manufacturers complete at least 500,000 autonomous miles of on-road testing, most of which may be done outside California, prior to obtaining full permits. Labor unions and safety advocates are expected to oppose the proposal, citing job loss and recent safety incidents involving autonomous vehicles. Similar testing is already underway in states like Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. The public comment period is open until June, after which the proposal may be finalized or revised.