The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced this week that regulations governing the driverless testing and public use of autonomous vehicles on California roads have been approved by the Office of Administrative Law.
Before these rules, autonomous vehicles could be tested in California only with an approved driver.
“This is a major step forward for autonomous technology in California,” said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. “Safety is our top concern and we are ready to begin working with manufacturers that are prepared to test fully driverless vehicles in California.”
This second set of regulations for autonomous vehicles in California establishes rules for testing autonomous technology without a driver and how manufacturers can allow the public to use self-driving cars. The regulations take effect and DMV can begin issuing permits on April 2.
The DMV is required to adopt regulations that cover both the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Testing regulations that require a driver behind the steering wheel took effect in September 2014. To date, DMV reports, 50 manufacturers have a permit to test autonomous vehicles with a driver. Manufacturers can continue to apply for a test permit with a driver.
Under the new regulations, vehicle manufacturers must obtain a driverless testing and/or a deployment permit from the DMV and comply with the permit requirements, if they wish to either test an autonomous vehicle without a driver or allow the public to use their autonomous technology.
Driverless Testing
Requirements for driverless testing include:
• Certify that local authorities, where vehicles will be tested, have been provided written notification.
• Certify the autonomous test vehicle complies with requirements that include a communication link between the vehicle and remote operator, a process to communicate between the vehicle and law enforcement, and an explanation of how the manufacturer will monitor test vehicles.
• Submit a copy of a law enforcement interaction plan.
• Certify the autonomous test vehicle meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or provide evidence of an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Certify the autonomous test vehicle is capable of operating without the presence of a driver and meets the autonomous technology description of a Level 4 (high automation) or Level 5 (full automation) under the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) definitions.
•Inform the DMV of the intended operational design domains.
• Maintain a training program for remote operations and certify each operator has completed training.
• Submit an annual disengagement report and submit collision reports to the DMV within 10 days.
Public Use
The requirements for deployment (public use) include:
• Certify the vehicle is equipped with an autonomous vehicle data recorder, the technology is designed to detect and respond to roadway situations in compliance with California Vehicle Code, and the vehicle complies with all FMVSS or provide evidence of an exemption from NHTSA.
• Certify the vehicle meets current industry standards to help defend against, detect and respond to cyber-attacks, unauthorized intrusions or false vehicle control commands.
• Certify the manufacturer has conducted test and validation methods and is satisfied the vehicle is safe for deployment on public roads.
• Submit a copy of a law enforcement interaction plan.
• If the vehicle does not require a driver, the manufacturer also must certify other requirements, including a communication link between the vehicle and a remote operator, and the ability to display or transfer vehicle owner or operator information if there is a collision.
The adopted regulations do not include testing and deployment of autonomous trucks and other commercial vehicles. DMV says it will be collaborating with the California Highway Patrol to begin exploring the unique safety and regulatory considerations associated with these vehicles.
For the complete list of requirements, see the regulations, which are available on the autonomous vehicle webpage on the DMV website.
CalChamber Position
Creating a path to deploying autonomous vehicles without human drivers shows that California is interested in the future of autonomous vehicles in the state. Other states are taking steps to encourage the development of this technology without creating a prescriptive and burdensome regulatory environment. It is critical that final regulations facilitate—not impede—the continued safe testing and, ultimately, deployment of autonomous vehicles.
The California Chamber of Commerce supports advancements in autonomous vehicle technology and opposes overly burdensome rules and regulations that threaten to stymie California’s position as a leader in developing, testing and producing these vehicles.
