San Francisco, California, USA: California ‘s governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill requiring heavy-duty driverless trucks from operating in the state without a safety driver.
The bill, which would have required a trained driver to be present in autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds, was passed by a majority in both houses of the state legislature.
“Considering… the existing regulatory framework that presently and sufficiently governs this particular technology, this bill is not needed at this time,” Newsom said. A veto by the governor can be overturned if the legislature chooses to vote in favour of the bill with a two-thirds majority in each house. This is not expected to happen.
Many states, including Texas and Arkansas, have allowed testing and operation of self-driving trucks, but California, home to some of the most cutting-edge technology startups – bars autonomous trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds.
Supporters of the technology say the bill would hamper chances of achieving autonomous hauling of goods, for example, from the bustling seaports in southern California to locations across the state, and cause future investments in autonomous infrastructure to flow to other states.
But labor unions led by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have been calling for Governor Newsom to sign the bill, saying autonomous trucks – some of which weigh over 80,000 pounds – were unsafe and would lead to job losses. Newsom in his veto message said any regulations framed by the department of motor vehicles would be transparent, with inputs from stakeholders and experts to ensure safety.
Pictured is an Aurora Horizon Autonomous Truck
