California drivers may soon notice something new sharing the freeway: self-driving semi-trucks. California's updated DMV rules now allow autonomous trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds to test on public roads, and two companies have already secured the state's first permits.
Our latest explainer breaks down what the new regulations mean, why supporters say autonomous trucking could improve freight movement tied to California ports and agriculture, and why labor groups are fighting the program in court over concerns about safety and job impacts. For now, every truck must carry a human safety driver, and companies face strict testing and reporting requirements before any driverless operations could be approved.
We also cover what motorists need
to know as testing expands, including how to safely share the road with large trucks, how to avoid blind spots, and how to stay informed as California considers the next steps in autonomous trucking.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California allows self-driving semi-trucks on public roads
