It is Time to Change the Autonomous Vehicles Regulatory Approach

Over the past decade, driverless vehicle testing has progressed, and many now operate in defined geographies without a driver (Level 4 autonomy). California has been a center for the development and testing of these vehicles. In 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) provided Driverless Deployment Permits to two dominant AV companies – Waymo and Cruise.2,3 The permits allowed both operators to offer 24-hour, 7-day-a-week AV rides to the public akin to ride-hailing services. The PUC permits complement the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Program Permits which enable AVs to operate on city streets. In early August 2023, estimates reported4 there were 400 Cruise vehicles and 250 Waymo vehicles operating on San Francisco streets. Stakeholders in the AV landscape include Cruise, the DMV, the PUC, federal and local authorities, and other operators.