California permits heavy-duty autonomous truck testing

California has started issuing permits for heavy-duty autonomous truck testing. Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI were among the first companies to receive approval. The permits allow testing on public roads with a human safety driver behind the wheel.

The state rules require manufacturers to finish 500,000 miles of testing at each phase. They must also submit a safety case covering vehicle hardware, software and operations. Testing on roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less is banned unless the truck is on a direct route between destinations.

Autonomous trucks must stop at California Highway Patrol weigh stations. They must also follow all current state and federal commercial motor vehicle rules. The regulations were enacted in April 2026.

The Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The union claims the agency used a shortcut process to avoid studying the economic impact of the rules. The lawsuit states the department underestimated costs and incorrectly claimed no jobs would be lost.

The permits mark the first step in a phased approach that will eventually allow driverless deployment.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking — https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/autonomous-truck-testing-moves-ahead-in-california-as-teamsters-challenge-rules