Read More: Technology Company Issues Recall for Autonomous Driving Software
Pony.ai Loses Permit to Test Autonomous Vehicles with Driver
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has revoked Pony.ai’s permit to test its autonomous vehicle technology with a driver after finding violations on some safety drivers’ driving records.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has revoked Pony.ai’s permit to test its autonomous vehicle technology with a driver after finding violations on the driving records of some safety drivers.
Photo: Poni.ai
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has revoked Pony.ai’s permit to test its autonomous vehicle technology with a driver, according to a report by TechCrunch. The startup technology company failed to examine the driving records of the safety drivers on its testing permit.
In California, Pony.ai had 41 autonomous test vehicles and 71 safety drivers on its permit, says the report.
“While reviewing Pony.ai’s application to renew the testing permit, the DMV found numerous violations on the driving records of active Pony.ai safety drivers,” a DMV spokesperson told TechCrunch.
Pony.ai confirmed to TechCrunch that its permit had been revoked by the DMV. The company said that the DMV took issue with the driving records of three of its safety operators, according to the report.
“We are in the process of reviewing the DMV’s notice,” a spokesperson for Pony.ai told TechCrunch.
In March, Pony.ai issued a recall for some versions of its autonomous driving system software after a crash in California. On Oct. 28, 2021, a Pony.ai vehicle (that had been in autonomous mode) hit a street sign on a median after turning right. This incident led California to suspend the company’s driverless testing permit.
More Fleet Forward


Erin Gilchrist Receives Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award
Last week at AFLA in Vegas, Erin Gilchrist received the inaugural, brand-new Spirit of Fleet Award.
Read More →
Dominika Leja Named the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year
The AstraZeneca associate director of fleet was recognized for her leadership in fleet electrification, cost savings, and operational transformation.
Read More →
Jamie McKay Named the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award Winner
The Aptive Pest Control fleet manager was recognized for her approach to operations, data, lifecycle management, and driver needs.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Introduces One-Day Passes for 2026
New one-day registration gives fleet professionals the flexibility to attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with passes available for $199 through Sept. 18.
Read More →
Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders
Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Tackles Fleet Industry’s Growing Leadership Gap
This session will examine succession planning, knowledge transfer, and the skills the next generation of fleet leaders will need as veteran professionals leave the industry.
Read More →
2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Finalists Announced
Who are the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists?
Read More →
John Rossant to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The CoMotion founder will draw on developments across Europe, China, the Middle East, and other international markets to identify trends that could influence how U.S. fleets plan for the coming decade.
Read More →How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]
A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.
Read More →