California approves fully driverless testing on public roads

27/02/2018 |

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that the Office of Administrative Law approved regulations governing the driverless testing and public use of autonomous vehicles on California roads. Prior to these rules, autonomous vehicles could only be tested in California with an approved driver.


“This is a major step forward for autonomous technology in California,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said. “Safety is our top concern and we are ready to begin working with manufacturers that are prepared to test fully driverless vehicles in California.”


This second set of regulations for autonomous vehicles in California establishes rules for testing autonomous technology without a driver and how manufacturers can allow the public to use self-driving cars. The regulations become effective on April 2, 2018, and DMV can begin issuing permits on that date.


The DMV is required to adopt regulations that cover both the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Testing regulations that require a driver behind the steering wheel took effect in September 2014. To date, 50 manufacturers have a permit to test autonomous vehicles with a driver. Manufacturers can continue to apply for a test permit with a driver.


Under the new regulations, vehicle manufacturers must obtain a driverless testing and/or a deployment permit from the DMV and comply with the permit requirements, if they wish to either test an autonomous vehicle without a driver or allow the public to use their autonomous technology.


Requirements for Driverless Testing include:



  • Certify that local authorities, where vehicles will be tested, have been provided written notification.

  • Certify the autonomous test vehicle complies with requirements that include a communication link between the vehicle and remote operator, a process to communicate between the vehicle and law enforcement, and an explanation of how the manufacturer will monitor test vehicles.

  • Submit a copy of a law enforcement interaction plan.

  • Certify the autonomous test vehicle meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or provide evidence of an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

  • Certify the autonomous test vehicle is capable of operating without the presence of a driver and meets the autonomous technology description of a Level 4 or Level 5 under the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) definitions.

  • Inform the DMV of the intended operational design domains.

  • Maintain a training program for remote operations and certify each operator has completed training.

  • Submit an annual disengagement report and submit collision reports to the DMV within 10 days.


Requirements for Deployment (Public Use) include:



  • Certify the vehicle is equipped with an autonomous vehicle data recorder, the technology is designed to detect and respond to roadway situations in compliance with California Vehicle Code, and the vehicle complies with all FMVSS or provide evidence of an exemption from NHTSA.

  • Certify the vehicle meets current industry standards to help defend against, detect and respond to cyber-attacks, unauthorized intrusions or false vehicle control commands.

  • Certify the manufacturer has conducted test and validation methods and is satisfied the vehicle is safe for deployment on public roads.

  • Submit a copy of a law enforcement interaction plan.

  • If the vehicle does not require a driver, the manufacturer must also certify to other requirements, including a communication link between the vehicle and a remote operator and the ability to display or transfer vehicle owner or operator information in the event of a collision.


The adopted regulations do not include testing and deployment of autonomous trucks and other commercial vehicles.  DMV will be collaborating with the California Highway Patrol to begin exploring the unique safety and regulatory considerations associated with these vehicles.


Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highway Maintenance Bridge Engineer

Band G, SCP 32 -37 (£41,511 - £46,731 per annum)
We have an exciting opportunity available within the Highways Service at Sandwell Council House based in Oldbury. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recruiter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

RCHW Site Operative - Dovercourt Recycling Centre

Up to £25081.00 per annum
RCHW Site Operative - Dovercourt Recycling CentreFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£49,764 - £53,817 per annum
We are looking for an experienced co-ordinator to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

£25,183 - £26,409
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst been outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

£25,183 - £26,409
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst been outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

Grade 6, £25,175 - £25,983 (Pay award pending) + 6% AIA
We are about to embark on an ambitious programme of change in our city centre Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Improvement Manager

£49,764 - £53,817 per annum
Would you like to be part of our friendly, supportive, Highways team? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Delivery Manager

£69,123 - £72,783
This is an exciting role leading maintenance and construction delivery. Northumberland
Recruiter: Northumberland County Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Officer

£33,366 - £37,035 per annum
We are seeking to recruit a Highways Officer based at our Highways Office in Whitby. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Project Engineer - Forward Programmes

Grade 11 £38,629 - £41,928 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Head of Highways and Transportation

£86,196
North Tyneside Council is committed to delivering outstanding services to people and places across the borough. North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear
Recruiter: North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

Works Technician

£37,399 (plus unsocial hours allowance)
The Works Technician is responsible for ensuring that the London Trams civils and off-track infrastructure Croydon (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Transport for London

Highway Network Technician - WMF2090e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit a friendly and motivated candidate to join our Highways Maintenance Team as Highways Network Technician. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Transportation Planning Officer

Band F, SCP 26-31 (£36,124 - £40,476 per annum)
Have you got a degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, Geography or Town Planning? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recruiter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

REL Skip Driver

£27,711.00 - £30,559.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for an REL Skip Driver working from our depot at Castleford. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Mechanical and Electrical Engineer

£37,035- £41,511
We have an exciting opening to join our Property Team as a Mechanical & Electrical Engineer. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Project Chargehand (4 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pending Pay Award)
We are looking for Project chargehands to lead teams working on highway maintenance and construction projects. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW