California’s new AV rules give police power to cite driverless vehicles for moving violations, self-driving big rigs allowed

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the adoption of several significant new autonomous vehicle (AV) regulations.

On April 28, 2026, the California DMV announced the approval of new AV regulations applying to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. Some of the new rules go into effect immediately, while others will be phased in over the months to come.

California Increases AV Vehicle Oversight & Enforcement

California’s new AV rules include increased enforcement of both heavy-duty and light-duty autonomous vehicles.

Under the new rules, law enforcement may cite AV companies for moving violations committed by their vehicles. Specifically, police may issue a Notice of AV Noncompliance to manufacturers when an AV commits a moving violation, “enhancing visibility and accountability for AV traffic law compliance,” according to state officials.

AV companies are also required to respond to first responder calls within 30 seconds and to provide access to manual vehicle override systems.

The new AV rules also authorize local emergency officials to create temporary “do not enter” or “restricted area” zones in response to a public safety issues in order to clear AVs from active emergency zones.

Also in an effort to increase AV oversight, the new regulations will allow the California DMV to “impose targeted operational restrictions on AV manufacturers — including fleet size, location, speed and weather limits — when necessary for public safety.’

Heavy-Duty Autonomous Trucks Cleared For Deployment On California Roads

Officials say that AV manufacturers are now allowed to apply for permits to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous vehicle technology on California roadways under the new AV rules.

Officials say the new rule “removes the prohibition on operating AVs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, opening the California market to AV freight operations. Heavy-duty AVs must still stop at CHP weigh stations and comply with all applicable state and federal commercial motor vehicle requirements.”

Under the new rule, AV manufacturers must “begin with testing using a safety driver and progress to driverless testing before applying for commercial deployment.”

“California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “These updates support the growth of the AV industry by enhancing public safety and transparency while adding additional accountability for AV manufacturers.”