Autonomous Trucks: California Bill Would Require Human Operators

California Bill Would Require Human Operators in Autonomous Trucks

A new bill is moving through California’s Legislature. It aims to slow the rollout of fully driverless delivery vehicles. Assembly Bill 33 (AB 33) passed the state’s lower chamber on May 29th. It now moves to the California Senate for further discussion and a vote. If the bill becomes law, it would require a trained human operator to be physically present in any autonomous trucks delivering goods directly to homes or businesses.

AB 33 Would Restrict Driverless Use of Autonomous Trucks

Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry introduced AB 33. The bill has support from both political parties. It focuses on keeping the roads safe and protecting jobs as new technologies evolve.

AB 33 would ban autonomous trucks from making deliveries on California roads without a person in the vehicle. The law would apply to any truck carrying commercial goods for sale or business use.

The bill defines a “human operator” as someone trained to take control of the vehicle. That person must also be able to turn off the truck in case of a problem. They must meet all state and federal rules for driving that type of truck, whether it’s in self-driving or manual mode.

Driverless Trucks Raise Concerns About Safety and Jobs

Supporters of AB 33 say this rule is needed now. They believe that technology is advancing faster than safety rules can keep up.

The bill points out that autonomous trucks rely on complex computer systems. These systems can fail in ways that are hard to predict.

The bill also raises concerns about jobs. Thousands of Californians work as truck drivers or delivery drivers. These jobs provide steady pay and support families across the state.

Labor unions back the bill. They say removing drivers from autonomous trucks could lead to major job losses. They also stress the need for retraining programs to help workers stay employed in a changing industry.

Lawmakers Call for Full Review

AB 33 includes a detailed review plan for the future of autonomous trucks. The bill would require the California DMV to prepare an extensive report. This report must be completed by January 1, 2031—or five years after AV testing begins, whichever comes later.

The report would study safety data, such as crashes, system shutdowns, and other problems. It would also look at the effect of autonomous trucks on jobs and the environment.

Several state agencies would be required to help gather the data. These include the California Highway Patrol, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the State Air Resources Board.

Once the report is finished, lawmakers would hold a hearing. At that point, they would decide if the law should be changed. The DMV would not be allowed to issue permits for fully autonomous trucks until one year after that hearing. And, only if a new law allows it.

Civil Fines for Breaking the Autonomous Trucks Rule

AB 33 sets a high penalty for breaking the rule. Any company that runs autonomous trucks without a human operator could face a civil fine. The fine could be as much as $25,000 for each violation.

This is not a criminal offense, but the high cost shows the state is serious about enforcing the rule.

What’s Ahead for Autonomous Trucks Legislation

With AB 33 moving to the Senate, debate will likely heat up. Supporters say it’s a common-sense step to protect workers and keep roads safe. Opponents, including some tech companies, argue it could slow progress and hurt innovation.

Some companies say autonomous trucks could reduce emissions and improve efficiency. But others argue that those benefits shouldn’t come at the cost of public safety or jobs.

AB 33 has strong bipartisan support. If passed, California would become one of the first states to require human operators in autonomous trucks. That decision could help shape how other states approach driverless delivery regulations in the years ahead.

RELATED: Alabama Bill Sets New Rules For Commercial Drivers, New Truck Traffic Ban in PA: Improved Safety the Goal, Traffic Fatalities Decline in a New NSC Analysis