California DMV Lifts Ban on Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Deployment

Story Summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles adopted new regulations on Tuesday permitting manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds. While medium-duty vehicles up to 14,001 pounds are restricted to public agencies and universities, heavy-duty units must still stop at patrol stations and adhere to commercial motor vehicle rules. Manufacturers must complete specific mileage testing phases, beginning with a safety driver before progressing to fully driverless operations and commercial deployment.