Department of Transportation: motor vehicle technology testing.
If passed, AB 669 would extend the timeline for the existing provisions regarding vehicle spacing during technology testing, which would have originally expired on January 1, 2018. The new provisions would continue these testing opportunities until January 1, 2020, providing additional time for the evaluation of technologies that may help inform future traffic regulations and enhance vehicle safety standards. It also requires the Department to report findings from these tests to the Legislature, ensuring legislative oversight and transparency.
Assembly Bill No. 669, authored by Assemblymember Berman, addresses regulations concerning the operation of motor vehicles during testing of new technologies. It specifically amends Section 14107 of the Government Code, allowing the Department of Transportation, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, to conduct testing with vehicles operating less than the standard 100 feet spacing typically required between vehicles in caravans or motorcades. The bill aims to assess and promote advancements in vehicle safety technology, particularly those that could enhance road safety and efficiency under certain conditions.
Sentiment around AB 669 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers and stakeholders interested in advancing transportation technologies and improving safety measures. Supporters argue that this bill is a necessary step towards modernizing traffic regulations to integrate innovative technologies and to keep pace with developing automotive capabilities. Stakeholders in the automotive and technology sectors view these tests as critical for refining new safety features.
Notable points of contention, however, revolve around the inherent risks associated with altering widely accepted traffic spacing rules. Critics may raise concerns about the potential for accidents caused by decreased spacing in real-world driving conditions, arguing that the standard spacing promotes public safety. The bill does stipulate that a person cannot operate vehicles involved in testing without a valid driver's license, which could alleviate some safety concerns by ensuring that only qualified individuals manage the vehicles during experimental trials.