United States of America: California Department of Motor Vehicles autonomous vehicle regulations
Progress
Current status
in force
01 Jul 2026 in force
28 Apr 2026 adopted
Scope
Implementers
United States of America
Policy Area
Design and testing standards
Policy Instrument
Design requirement
Regulated Economic Activity
technological consumer goods
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
other regulatory body
Implementation Level
subnational
Timeline of events
Autonomous vehicle regulations establishing oversight and enforcement requirements for light-duty and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles entered into force
On 1 July 2026, the emergency response provisions of the autonomous vehicle (AV) regulations adopted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) entered into force. From this date, manufacturers had to maintain a dedicated emergency respons…
Event type
order
Action type
implementation
Government branch
executive
Government body
other regulatory body
California Department of Motor Vehicles adopted autonomous vehicle regulations establishing oversight and enforcement requirements for light-duty and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles
On 28 April 2026, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adopted autonomous vehicle (AV) regulations covering light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. Manufacturers must begin testing with a safety driver and progress to driverless testing bef…
Event type
order
Action type
adoption
Government branch
executive
Government body
other regulatory body