Autonomous vehicles.

Existing law authorizes the operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roads for testing purposes by a driver who possesses the proper class of license for the type of vehicle operated if specified requirements are satisfied. Existing law prohibits the operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roads until the manufacturer submits an application to the Department of Motor Vehicles, as specified, and that application is approved. A violation of the Vehicle Code or a local ordinance adopted pursuant to that code is an infraction.

This bill would prohibit the delivery of commercial goods, as defined, directly to a residence or to a business for its use or retail sale through the operation of an autonomous vehicle without a human safety operator on any highway within the State of California. The bill would declare that a violation of this prohibition is not an infraction and is instead punishable by a civil fine not to exceed $25,000 for each instance of the violation. The bill would make certain findings and declarations related to these provisions. make a first violation of this provision subject to a $10,000 administrative fine and a $25,000 administrative fine for subsequent violations. The bill would authorize the department to suspend or revoke the permit of an autonomous vehicle manufacturer for repeated violations of this provision.

The bill would require the department to submit a report to the Legislature evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle technology and its impact on public safety and employment, as specified. This bill would require all relevant state agencies, including, among others, the Department of Transportation and the State Air Resources Board, to provide information to the department to research this report. The bill would prohibit the department from issuing a deployment permit for the use of an autonomous vehicle to deliver commercial goods without a human safety operator until a later enacted statute authorizes the issuance of a permit for that purpose.

SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) The deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for commercial purposes poses potential risks to road safety, especially given the technology’s reliance on complex algorithms that can be prone to unforeseen errors and failures.

(b) The widespread use of AVs in the delivery industry threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Californians employed as drivers and delivery personnel whose work provides stable, well-paying jobs that support families and communities.

(c) While technological innovation is valuable, it must be balanced against the potential displacement of workers and the economic impact on local economies. Preserving good jobs and ensuring robust workforce participation is essential to California’s long-term economic health.

(d) The state must prioritize the development and enforcement of regulations that protect public safety, promote job security, and maintain oversight over emerging technologies.