California’s new autonomous vehicle regulations create the state’s first pathway for testing and deploying heavy-duty AVs while imposing a more rigorous permitting, safety-case, reporting, and enforcement framework for all AV manufacturers.
Finalized by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the DMV) on April 28, 2026, the regulations (the Regulations) introduce significant new safety and oversight requirements, and expand California’s AV framework to include heavy-duty vehicles over 10,000 pounds, which had previously been excluded. The Regulations do not alter the California Public Utilities Commission requirements that separately apply to AV companies operating robotaxis in the state.
Continue Reading California’s New AV Rules Open Door to Heavy-Duty Deployment While Imposing Significant New Compliance Obligations