California is overhauling its self-driving vehicle regulations

Core Viewpoint - California is proposing new comprehensive regulations for the testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles, aiming to enhance public safety and foster innovation in autonomous vehicle technology [2][4]. Regulatory Framework - The California DMV is seeking public comments on proposed regulations that will apply to various types of self-driving vehicles, from light-duty robotaxis to heavy-duty driverless trucks [1][4]. - The proposed regulations require driverless vehicle manufacturers to obtain permits for testing with a human safety driver, complete a specified number of test-drive miles, and subsequently obtain additional permits for driverless testing and deployment [5][6]. Industry Competition - Competitors such as Waymo, Zoox, and WeRide have already secured higher-level permits in California, with Waymo operating a robotaxi service in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area [3]. - Tesla, despite its engineering headquarters in Palo Alto and promises of a self-driving vehicle, has not yet obtained deployment permits in California [2][3]. Data Reporting and Compliance - The new regulations will impose data-reporting requirements on all autonomous vehicle manufacturers operating in California and will establish standards for interactions between driverless vehicles and first responders [6]. Legal Context - The California DMV previously sued Tesla in 2022 for deceptive marketing practices related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, which still require a human driver to be ready to take control [8].