California governor again vetoes bill banning large driverless trucks

Sacramento, CA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has vetoed – for the second time in two years – legislation that would have prohibited driverless autonomous trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more from operating on state roadways.

A.B. 2286 also would have required 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.”

In a Sept. 27 veto message, Newsom acknowledges his 2023 veto, reiterating that his administration “stands ready to work with the legislature and stakeholders toward progress on this issue.”

Newsom maintains that although California “remains the only state to actively prohibit these vehicles,” current California DMV regulations on driverless autonomous trucks “create a framework allowing innovation, while also protecting public safety.” He further notes that new draft regulations – open for public comment until Oct. 14 – offer “the nation’s most comprehensive standards for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles.”

The regulations would limit operations to roads with speed limits of at least 50 mph and exclude uses including transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association applauds Newsom’s decision. In a press release, AVIA Executive Director Jeff Farrah said the veto permits “California’s safety experts to continue evaluating autonomous vehicle technology through the appropriate regulatory channels.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is “incredibly disappointed” by the decision, claiming in a statement that “the vast majority of Californians oppose unregulated, unaccountable driverless cars and trucks on our roads.”