California is preparing to implement new regulations for the testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to regulate autonomous vehicle technology. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced on Friday that it is seeking public input on the proposed rules, which would apply to a broad range of autonomous vehicles, from light-duty robotaxis such as Waymo’s to heavy-duty driverless trucks like those developed by Plus.AI. These regulations are expected to be among the most comprehensive in the nation, emphasizing public safety while encouraging innovation in the autonomous vehicle sector. The DMV’s statement highlights the state’s commitment to creating a robust framework that will support the testing and deployment of these technologies.
While Tesla, headquartered in Palo Alto, has long promised to deliver self-driving cars and a driverless ride-hailing service, the company has not yet obtained the necessary permits in California for deploying fully autonomous vehicles. Tesla vehicles are still not approved for operation without a driver behind the wheel. Despite this, Tesla’s shares rose approximately 10% on Friday, continuing to recover from a recent slump that was partly driven by uncertainty surrounding global tariffs.
In contrast, competitors like Alphabet’s Waymo, Amazon’s Zoox, and the Chinese company WeRide have secured higher-level permits in California, with Waymo already running a robotaxi service in areas like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The DMV has posted the proposed regulations on its website, opening a 45-day public comment period that will end on June 9, 2025. Afterward, a public hearing will be scheduled before the regulations are finalized.
The proposed rules would require autonomous vehicle manufacturers to obtain a permit for testing with a human safety driver on board, followed by a permit for driverless testing, and ultimately a final permit for deploying driverless vehicles. The new regulations would also allow the testing of autonomous trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds on public roads. Additionally, all manufacturers would be required to meet new data-reporting standards and comply with California’s protocols for vehicle interactions with first responders.
These updated regulations come shortly after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it would relax reporting requirements for collisions involving partially automated or more advanced driving systems. In 2022, the California DMV filed a lawsuit against Tesla, accusing the company of deceptive marketing practices related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, which still require a human driver. The case is ongoing.
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