Autonomous Trucks
The bill has been sent to the Iowa House, where a similar bill has been passed through committee. The passed Senate bill would limit noneconomic damages awarded in a civil lawsuit against trucking companies to $2 million, but it would not limit economic damages, such as lost wages or medical expenses. The noneconomic damages limit would not apply if the truck driver was convicted or found to be in violation of drug and alcohol regulations in connection with the crash. Waymo and Aurora are requesting an exemption from the warning device placement requirements of 49 CFR 392.22(b), the utilization of a warning device that does not meet the steady-burning lamp requirement of 49 CFR 393.25(e), and the utilization of a warning device for stopped vehicles that is not currently identified in 49 CFR 393.95(f). Specifically, Olier seeks a permanent exemption from the 10-hour break, the 14-hour driving window, the 11-hour driving limit, the 30-minute break requirement and the 70-hours-in-eight-days limit.