MENU
SEARCHThe new rules, which take effect Sept. 16, address such issues as accident reporting and insurance requirements.
Photo of Google's self-driving Prius courtesy of Google.
Photo of Google's self-driving Prius courtesy of Google.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced that the state Office of Administrative Law has adopted regulations governing how manufacturers can test autonomous vehicles on California roads. The new rules take effect Sept. 16.
These rules address such subjects as insurance, registration and manufacturer reporting requirements.
The regulations only address requirements for manufacturer testing. The California DMV is still in the process of developing rules governing public operation of self-driving cars. The target date for adoption of public rules is Jan. 1, 2015.
Under the new regulations, vehicle manufacturers must obtain a testing permit from the DMV and comply with permit requirements when testing autonomous vehicles on California roads.
DMV requirements for manufacturer testing include:
Test vehicles must be registered with the DMV.
Autonomous vehicle testing must be conducted under controlled conditions.
Test drivers must complete a training program and obey all provisions of the state vehicle code.
Test drivers must sit in the driver seat and be capable of immediately taking control of the vehicle.
Manufacturers must report to the DMV any accident involving a test vehicle or any situation where the autonomous technology disengages during operation.
Manufacturers must maintain $5 million insurance or surety bond.
In developing the regulations, DMV held two public workshops and published the draft regulations for public comment in November 2013. To view CNN’s January report about this process – and learn what proposed requirements drew manufacturer opposition at the time -- click on the photo or link below.
VIDEO: California to Regulate Self-Driving Cars
The DMV developed these testing regulations as mandated by Senate Bill 1298. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed that bill into law in September 2012.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
