California DMV Proposes Sweeping New Autonomous Vehicle Regulations, Expanding Scope to Heavy-Duty Trucks

Sacramento, California – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has released proposed new regulations poised to significantly expand the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roads, including for the first time, heavy-duty commercial trucks. These comprehensive rules, announced in late April 2025, mark a pivotal moment for the autonomous driving industry within the state. The proposed changes are currently undergoing a public comment period, which is set to conclude on June 9, 2025.

Industry observer Rakesh Agrawal highlighted the ongoing developments, stating in a recent tweet, "I'm really curious how this plays out. As I wrote earlier, AVs are regulated at state level in CA." This underscores the critical role California's state-level regulations play in shaping the future of autonomous technology. The DMV's initiative aims to establish the nation's most comprehensive framework for AV operations, balancing public safety with innovation.

Key aspects of the proposed regulations include allowing AVs weighing 10,001 pounds or more to operate with a DMV-approved permit. This represents a significant shift, as previous regulations primarily focused on light-duty passenger vehicles. The framework also introduces a new phased permitting process, requiring manufacturers to demonstrate extensive testing mileage—50,000 miles for light-duty and 500,000 miles for heavy-duty vehicles—before obtaining driverless testing and deployment permits.

Additionally, the updated rules enhance data reporting requirements, mirroring federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards for crash reporting, disengagements, and other incidents. Manufacturers will also be required to update First Responder Interaction Plans more frequently and provide training to emergency personnel. The DMV will gain broader discretion to enforce compliance, including the ability to reduce fleet sizes or limit operating hours for non-compliant manufacturers.

These regulatory advancements are expected to offer greater clarity and consistency for AV developers, potentially accelerating the rollout of commercial AV fleets. While immediate full-scale commercial operations remain limited, the proposed framework positions California at the forefront of integrating autonomous technology, particularly in the commercial trucking sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor these developments closely and participate in the public comment process to influence the evolving landscape.