Campaign forms to oppose AB 316: Let the experts decide rules for autonomous trucks. Not politicians.
A campaign has formed to oppose Assembly Bill 316 and other proposals like it nationally. Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, TechNet and Waymo are backing the effort, called Safer Roads for All, because it should be left to real experts, not politicians, to set the rules of the road for autonomous vehicles.
Autonomous trucks are not allowed to test on public roads in California today. Everyone agrees we must prioritize safety in the development of autonomous vehicles, but this legislation is a political end run around the road safety experts at DMV and CHP, who are just beginning to craft rules to authorize the testing of autonomous trucks, and permanently bans autonomous trucks from operating on their own.
Chris Childs, a retired Assistant Commissioner for the California Highway Patrol (CHP):
“I believe one of the easiest ways to reduce tragedies on our roads is to support AV trucks in California – not put up roadblocks. AV trucks are not arriving on California’s roads overnight, but this legislation would effectively ban them from ever operating here. I oppose AB 316 because California needs the safety benefits autonomous trucks will bring to the state, and I urge lawmakers to reject this premature bill.”
Jeff Farrah, the Executive Director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association:
“Autonomous trucks will enhance safety on California’s roads. More than 4,000 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 – more than 10% of which involved a large truck. According to federal regulators, drivers were responsible in 87% of crashes. At a time when state safety officials are overseeing a robust, public stakeholder process for AV trucks, AB 316 is a premature ban on the technology that Californians simply can’t afford.”
Autonomous trucks offer a range of benefits beyond safety, including the potential to address a critical shortage of truck drivers that is a major contributor to inflation and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, autonomous vehicles can help California achieve its ambitious climate goals, such as converting trucking fleets into EVs, and reduce emissions.
