Bill would outlaw the operation of self-driving trucks without a human driver on board in California

Legislation recently introduced in California would forbid the operation of self-driving trucks unless a human safety driver is inside the vehicle. AB 316 was introduced in the California Legislature on January 23, 2023, by Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. While California law currently allows for the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds without a human driver physically inside the vehicle, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is currently considering new rules to allow the testing of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles without a human driver present. Other supporters of AB 316 have voiced highway safety concerns. This isn’t the time to do it.