The idea of sharing the road with self-driving trucks does not calm road users. And this isn’t some futuristic debate for the next generation. Autonomous trucks are already traveling America’s roads today.
As technology races ahead, states are scrambling to ensure the rules meant to protect families, commuters, and truckers don’t get left in the dust.
More than half the states already have laws on the books. The problem? Technology is moving so fast that many of those laws are already showing their age.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says self-driving trucks could offer some benefits. But they also raise big questions about safety and the future of jobs that put food on the table for thousands of trucking families.
Land Line has reported that federal regulators still haven’t created clear nationwide safety standards for autonomous vehicles. That leaves drivers, truckers, and families sharing the road with a confusing patchwork of state laws – some strict, some loose, and some barely there at all.
Now, states are racing to decide what comes next. Some want tighter controls before someone gets hurt. Others are throwing open the gates and betting that the technology is ready for the road.
Colorado
In Colorado, the governor has again blocked an effort to put the brakes on self-driving trucks operating statewide.
For the second straight year, lawmakers approved a bill requiring a CDL holder to remain inside autonomous trucks. The rule would apply to self-driving trucks over 26,000 pounds.
HB1286 called for a qualified driver to monitor the autonomous system and take control if the truck began operating in an unsafe or illegal manner.
A licensed driver would also have to be in the driver’s seat when hauling hazmat.
Violations carried steep penalties. Drivers could face a $1,000 fine. A second offense would bring a $2,000 fine. Any violations after that would double the fine again.
But Gov. Jared Polis vetoed the bill. He argued that restrictions like these could slow innovation that may eventually make roads safer.
In his veto message, Polis said he supports the desire to make Colorado roads safer. He added it is also important to ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles.
“I would like to acknowledge that drivers of commercial vehicles have a challenging job and we all owe them our gratitude for the important role they play moving goods across our state and country,” Polis said.
He followed up the kind words by saying that driver error is the leading cause of accidents.
Polis said the state should continue exploring autonomous technology that could reduce those risks.
He pointed to other states making what he called “exciting progress” on the issue.
“Wider deployment and testing, including in Colorado, present potential avenues for improving safety on our roads,” he said.
California
California is taking a different approach.
Just weeks after adopting new autonomous vehicle regulations, the state is preparing to implement another rule change.
Approved during the 2024 legislative session, the new law closes a loophole in traffic enforcement.
The change allows law enforcement officers to issue citations when autonomous vehicles commit traffic violations. The notices are sent directly to the company responsible for the vehicle.
Supporters say the change became necessary after a series of troubling incidents involving autonomous vehicles.
Those incidents included blocking traffic, rolling over, dragging a pedestrian, interfering with firetrucks, and driving into active crime scenes.
The law creates a formal notification process. Companies must report notices of non-compliance to the DMV within 72 hours.
Backers say the system works like an early warning alarm. If something goes wrong on the road, companies will know quickly and can take steps to fix the problem before it happens again.
Two-way communication
The law also aims to improve communication during emergencies.
Autonomous vehicle companies must provide a dedicated phone line for first responders. Driverless vehicles must also include communication systems that enable police, firefighters, and emergency crews to contact company operators when needed.
One exception applies to certain commercial vehicles. Autonomous trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds are exempt from the two-way communication system requirement.
The new law takes effect July 1. LL
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