Related: Waymo Had Fewest Autonomous Vehicle Disengagements in Calif.
Calif. Moves Toward Self-Driving Delivery Van Testing
The California Department of Motor Vehicles may soon change the current rules and allow testing of autonomous light-duty delivery vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds.

California is moving to allow self-driving delivery vehicles with a sub-10,001-pound GVWR.
Photo via Dicklyon/Wikimedia.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles may soon change the current rules and allow testing of autonomous light-duty delivery vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds, reports CNET's Roadshow.
Presently, all autonomous "motortrucks" are prohibited from testing on public roads, and light-duty delivery vehicles are considered a segment of this group. Compact vans, the Mercedes-Benz Metris, and most full-size vans would qualify.
In its Notice of Proposed Action issued last week, the California Department of Motor Vehicles indicated it would alter the rule and clear delivery vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds for public-road useT.
The first step calls for the public to comment on the proposed changes to the law. Consumers can submit written comments to the DMW presently and through May 27.
On May 30, the DMV will host a public hearing in Sacramento where citizens can provide input in person.
Presently, 62 companies have permits and 61 manufacturers are currently testing self-driving vehicles with test drivers on California roadways. Waymo is the only company to receive a permit for testing fully driverless vehicles in the state, according to the report.
More Safety

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework
Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.
Read More →
Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
