AVIA Statement on Governor Newsom's Veto of AB 316

Today California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he vetoed Assembly Bill 316, a bill that would effectively ban autonomous trucks. See below for a statement from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association:

“We commend Governor Newsom for vetoing AB 316. As a result, California’s safety experts can continue to evaluate autonomous vehicle technology and consider appropriate regulatory action. We look forward to continuing to work with the California DMV, California Highway Patrol, Labor and Workforce Development Agency and other state regulators that are evaluating the future of autonomous trucking technology in the state,” said Jeff Farrah, executive director for the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.

A wide variety of California safety advocates, business organizations, logistics providers and businesses of all sizes had urged Governor Gavin Newsom to veto AB 316. Among the many concerns with the legislation, AB 316 would have:

• Locked in the unacceptable status quo for safety. NHTSA estimates that nearly 43,000 traffic deaths occurred in 2022. In California alone, more than 4,400 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes last year.
• Thwarted California’s robust regulatory process. Significant concerns have been raised about AB 316 by California safety regulators.
• Imposed a permanent ban on AV trucks in California.
• Diverted resources from agencies with expertise to regulate autonomous trucks. The California Department of Finance estimates it will cost over $1 million annually.
• Caused California to fall even further behind other states on autonomous trucking innovation. States across the country are embracing AV trucks as a way to ease supply chain challenges and promote safer roads.
• Jeopardized the creation of new, high-quality jobs and other economic and supply chain benefits.