California Air Resources Board

Summary

Among other things, would have prohibited the operation of an autonomous vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more on public roads for testing purposes, transporting goods, or transporting passengers without a human safety operator physically present in the autonomous vehicle at the time of operation. This bill would have also  required the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), by January 1, 2030, or 5 years after commencement of testing, whichever occurs later, and upon appropriation by the Legislature, to submit a report to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle technology and its impact on public safety and employment in the transportation sector for autonomous vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. CARB was in a consultation role regarding impacts to the Scoping Plan and being available to DMV for needed research.

View full bill text here

Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2286 without my signature.

This bill would prohibit the operation of autonomous vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more on public roads for testing, transporting goods, or carrying passengers without a human safety operator physically present in the vehicle. In my veto of a nearly identical bill last year, I expressed that my Administration remains committed to working with the author, sponsors, and stakeholders in furthering our efforts to meet the needs of traffic safety, worker protections, and jobs as this evolving technology progresses in California.

As we continue to move forward, it is important to note that 35 jurisdictions -- including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia - have already authorized the testing of heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. California remains the only state to actively prohibit these vehicles.

To this end, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which has regulated autonomous vehicles over the last decade pursuant to authority granted to it by the Legislature, has issued three sets of regulations that create a framework allowing innovation, while also protecting public safety. A new set of draft regulations, currently open for public input until October 14, 2024, offers the nation's most comprehensive standards for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. These draft regulations propose strict guidelines for heavy-duty AV operations, including limiting operations to roads with speed limits of 50 miles per hour or higher and excluding certain uses, such as transporting passengers or hazardous materials. They also require a phased permitting process to ensure a gradual transition to driverless operations, along with specific testing periods, mileage requirements, and clear definitions of where and how these vehicles can operate. Finally, these regulations also require more robust reporting from companies testing or deploying AVs, and give DMV additional enforcement tools to place restrictions on permits to protect public safety.

Recognizing that our workforce is the foundation of our economic success, California leads the nation with some of the strongest worker protection laws. Our state also is renowned globally as a leader in technological innovation. We reject that one aim must yield to the other, and our success disproves this false binary. But advancing both priorities requires creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to work together to identify pragmatic solutions. Toward that end, my office offered multiple rounds of suggested amendments, which were unfortunately not accepted. While I cannot sign this legislation in its current form, my Administration stands ready to work with the legislature and stakeholders toward progress on this issue.

Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here