Officials in California looking to revoke a ban on autonomous semi truck testing

Officials in California are looking to revoke a ban on autonomous semi truck testing within the state. 

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced the proposed regulation change on Friday, April 25th. 

According to Big Rapids News, the newly proposed regulations would allow companies to test self-driving vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds on California roadways, which has been prohibited up until this point. California is the only state that explicitly bans the testing of these autonomous semi trucks. 

Regulators say the proposal would open the door for companies to test their autonomous rigs in the state, just as they are in Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. The regulations are now being subjected to a public comment period, which will last through June. 

Officials expect pushback on the proposal from labor unions voicing concerns over safety and job loss for truckers.