California bill banning large driverless trucks back on Newsom’s desk

Sacramento, CA — For the second time, legislation that would prohibit autonomous trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more from operating on California roadways awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Introduced in the California Assembly in February, A.B. 2286 would also require autonomous truck manufacturers to report to the California Department of Motor Vehicles – within 10 days – any collision “originating from the operation of the autonomous vehicle on a public road that resulted in the damage of property, bodily injury or death.”

The state Senate passed the bill with a 70-1 vote on Aug. 29, a day before the state Assembly did so with a 32-3 vote.

Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year, writing that it was “unnecessary for the regulation and oversight of heavy-duty autonomous vehicle technology in California, as existing law provides sufficient authority to create the appropriate regulatory framework.”

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association is hoping for the same result, with AVIA Executive Director Jeff Farrah asserting in a press release that A.B. 2286 “would undermine California’s regulatory process by thwarting safety regulators at the California DMV and the California Highway Patrol.”

On the flip side, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters backs the bill.

“Our elected leaders in California have once again spoken up in favor of AV regulation,” Teamsters International Vice President At-Large Chris Griswold said in a separate release. “It’s time Gov. Newsom does the same.”