Autonomous truck restrictions pursued in multiple statehouses

An increasing number of states are pursuing legislation to slow the push for autonomous trucks on public roadways. OOIDA believes actions like these must be fulfilled to protect the backbone of the U.S. workforce.

A year ago, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to prohibit autonomous vehicle operation with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds for testing purposes, transporting goods or transporting passengers without a “human safety operator physically present” in the vehicle.

Newsom said it was “unnecessary” for the regulation and oversight of heavy-duty autonomous vehicle technology in the state. In his veto message, he highlighted a 2012 state law that provides the DMV with the authority to regulate the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles on state roadways.

“Existing law provides sufficient authority to create the appropriate regulatory framework,” Newsom wrote.

It is important to note that he mischaracterized the intent and process outlined in the bill, which was to allow the technology to progress but to require a human to operate it while state lawmakers and the governor continue to collaborate on use of the technology.

Elsewhere, state lawmakers continue to pursue enacting needed rules that would put up a “Caution Ahead” sign for use of the technology in large trucks traversing state roadways.

Florida

A Florida Senate bill calls for establishing rules on the operation of autonomous trucks on roadways.

The bill would require that a licensed human operator be physically present in a fully autonomous vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 pounds. The rule would apply when the vehicle is operating on a public road in the state to transport goods or passengers.

Indiana

In Indiana, multiple bills address the use of autonomous trucks.

Currently, there is no rule that covers whether a human operator is required to be present in automated vehicle platoons.

The legislation would expand statute to specify that a person may not operate an autonomous tractor-trailer on a highway to transport passengers or goods unless a human operator is physically present in the affected vehicle.

Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville, said with new technology on the horizon and more self-driving vehicles being used on roadways, it is important Indiana laws reflect these changes.

“Driverless vehicles, especially large trucks, could pose a danger on our public roads if not monitored properly,” Tomes stated.

Kentucky

A renewed pursuit in Kentucky would go the wrong direction on the state’s requirement for truck platooning.

The state requires a human driver to be behind the wheel of a trailing platoon vehicle.

In 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed legislation to authorize only the lead vehicle in the platoon to have a human driver behind the wheel. A requirement was included that trailing vehicles be fully engaged.

Beshear cited safety concerns for his action. In his veto message, the governor said the legislation “is ambiguous and broad and does not provide enough specifics, including about how it can be implemented, monitored and enforced.”

New York

Two New York bills are a must-do on the topic of autonomous trucks.

Current statute has no requirements for large vehicles to have a human in the cab capable of taking control of the vehicle in case of emergency.

One bill from Sen. Pete Harckham, D-Peekskill, wouldrequire operators to accompany trucks with autonomous operating technology.

Harckham said the importance of the trucking industry requires that state lawmakers be proactive and vigilant about public safety and job security when it comes to technological innovations like autonomous vehicles.

OOIDA recognizes that the rapid development of autonomous technology has a lot of potential. However, the Association points out the technology poses challenges as it relates to commercial vehicles and highway safety, as well as threatening jobs for truck drivers. LL