Vehicles: City of Sacramento shared autonomous vehicle pilot project.
The bill significantly impacts state laws surrounding the operation of autonomous vehicles by providing the City of Sacramento with an exemption from certain existing DMV regulations, which otherwise restrict driverless operation. It specifically allows for more flexible testing conditions and accepts the possibility of a manufacturer receiving compensation for rides, a notable departure from previous restrictions forbidding such compensation. The provisions of this bill were set to expire in June 2020 and were scheduled for repeal in January 2021, indicating a temporary authority rather than a permanent change to the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in California.
Senate Bill 1184, introduced by Senator Pan, allows the City of Sacramento to conduct a shared autonomous vehicle (SAV) pilot project. This project will enable the testing of autonomous vehicles that operate without a driver in the driver’s seat and do not have conventional controls such as a steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator. The testing is limited to a designated area within a one-mile radius of the University/65th Street light rail station, ensuring that the vehicles will only traverse publicly maintained roads. Under this bill, the autonomous vehicles must not exceed speeds of 35 miles per hour and must comply with specific regulatory requirements set by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 1184 appears to be supportive among lawmakers and local government officials who see the potential benefits of exploring advanced transportation technologies. Supporters argue that this pilot project could pave the way for future innovations in public transport, leading to improved efficiency and safety on the roads. However, there may be concerns regarding the safety and regulatory oversight of such autonomous systems, as the pilot is conducted without traditional human controls.
A point of contention highlighted in discussions around SB 1184 is the balance between innovation and public safety. Critics raise questions about how adequately the public's safety can be ensured when vehicles lack standard features that allow for human intervention in emergencies. Furthermore, the temporary nature of the bill raises concerns about its long-term implications and the regulatory clarity needed for further developments in autonomous vehicle technology.