California regulators have introduced a major proposal that could reshape the future of the freight industry. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced new draft rules that would allow the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks on public roads. This marks a big shift for companies that want to expand the use of autonomous technology beyond passenger cars.
The proposed rules could open the door for growth in the autonomous trucking sector. However, the move is already facing heavy resistance from labor unions and safety advocates, who worry about both public safety and potential job losses.
New Rules for Trucks Over 10,001 Pounds
On Friday, California’s DMV released its draft regulations. The new rules would permit the testing of trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds on public roads. Vehicles of this size include large pickups, like the Ford Super Duty, as well as big commercial freight trucks.
While states such as Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas have already allowed the testing of driverless heavy trucks, California has so far banned it. These proposed regulations would end that ban. However, the plan must go through a public comment period first, which will run until the end of June.
California has been a leader in setting rules for autonomous vehicles, especially smaller passenger cars. But when it comes to heavy-duty trucks, the state has moved more slowly. The new proposal shows California is now preparing to catch up.
Strong Opposition from Labor Groups and Safety Advocates
The new plan is not without controversy. Labor unions, especially the Teamsters, have already voiced strong objections. They fear that allowing autonomous trucks on the road could threaten the jobs of thousands of truck drivers across the state.
In 2023, the California Legislature passed a bill that would have required a human driver to be present in any self-driving truck. The bill had strong union support. However, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it. Newsom said that California already had enough rules in place to manage this new technology. His veto was seen as a major win for tech companies but a blow to labor groups.
The Teamsters union, which represents thousands of drivers in California, continues to lobby against driverless trucks. They argue that the risks to both jobs and public safety are too high to ignore.
Tighter Oversight and Reporting Requirements
The proposed rules are not just about allowing testing. They also include new requirements to improve oversight of autonomous trucking companies.
Under the new rules, companies would need to report any time a self-driving truck stops unexpectedly on a public road and needs human help. This would help regulators track how often the technology fails in real-world situations.
The DMV would also gain new powers to impose targeted penalties on companies that break the rules. Instead of only being able to revoke a company’s testing permit entirely, the DMV could now issue partial restrictions. This approach is meant to improve accountability while still encouraging innovation.
These changes come after a high-profile accident in 2023. Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company, had its permit suspended after one of its driverless cars hit and seriously injured a pedestrian in San Francisco. Regulators faced criticism for not acting sooner, and the new rules aim to prevent similar situations with trucks.
Safety Concerns with Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Allowing autonomous heavy trucks on public roads raises serious safety concerns. Research shows that vehicles with tall front-end designs, like big trucks, are much more dangerous to pedestrians. In an accident, a heavy-duty truck is far more likely to cause serious injury or death than a smaller car.
Critics warn that adding autonomous technology into the mix could make things worse, especially if the vehicles fail to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller cars properly.
“Testing is important,” said a spokesperson for the Center for Auto Safety. “But we need to make sure that public roads are not used as laboratories without real safety measures.”
Industry Pushes Forward
Despite the backlash, many companies in the trucking and tech industries are pushing hard for autonomous freight to become reality. Companies like Waymo, Aurora, and TuSimple have already invested millions into developing self-driving truck technology.
These firms argue that autonomous trucks could make freight transportation faster, cheaper, and safer over time. They also point to a national shortage of truck drivers as a reason to accelerate adoption.
Supporters believe that self-driving trucks could help reduce accidents caused by human error, which remains the number one cause of highway crashes.
California’s DMV will now collect public comments on the proposed rules through June. After that, the agency will review the feedback and make any changes before finalizing the regulations later this year.
If approved, testing could begin as soon as early 2025. This would make California a new battleground in the debate over the future of trucking — one where safety, technology, and human jobs are all on the line.