California unveils plan to permit driverless CMVs

California has released its plan to test and eventually allow driverless commercial vehicles on its roadways. 

The California Department of Motor Vehicles released the plan on Friday, August 30th after previously banning driverless trucks over 10,000 pounds, reported NBC.

“The draft regulatory framework would allow for operation of autonomous commercial motor vehicles on roads where the posted speed limit is 50 miles per hour or greater and on frontage access roads — essentially allowing for long-haul deliveries along hub-to-hub routes and in less complex operational areas,” states documents released by the DMV. 

 “For safety reasons, certain commercial vehicle operations are also excluded from the draft regulatory framework, including household movers, commercial vehicles used to transport passengers, oversize loads, hazardous materials, and bulk liquids requiring a tank endorsement.”

The state plans to gather input on the proposed plan before gaining final approval surrounding the proposed testing and permitting of the driverless semi trucks. Driverless passenger cars have been operating in the state since 2014.