California Driver-In Bill Halted, Supporting Safe AV Deployment

WASHINGTON – Today, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) released the following statement from CEO Jeff Farrah on the recent news that California Assembly Bill 33, misguided legislation that would require a driver in an autonomous vehicle, would not be put to a final vote this year:

"Californians are benefitting from autonomous vehicles through safer streets and more accessible transportation. Today’s decision is a victory for innovation and the many Californians who rely on autonomous technology. This commonsense outcome affirms what real world data shows: AVs are safe and deliver real benefits. We remain committed to working with policymakers, labor groups, and communities to ensure all Californians can access the opportunities AVs provide."

Assembly Bill 33 is the third iteration of driver-in legislation in three years. Previous legislation has been vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Earlier this year, Farrah penned an op-ed in The Orange County Register urging lawmakers to reject AB 33:

“[A] puzzling new bill has been introduced in Sacramento that would allow humans in AVs but ban the technology from transporting commercial goods. In other words, AVs could transport humans but not a burrito or a bag of groceries. How can it be the most precious cargo in the world—human life—would be allowed to travel autonomously but a package cannot?

“The proposal would effectively sideline the most promising transportation innovation of the twenty-first century. This isn’t a narrow or temporary measure. It’s a sweeping prohibition that would impact all sizes of autonomous vehicles, regardless of their safety record or community benefits.”

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