Story perspectives

California DMV Allows Police AV Notices, Threatens Permit Suspensions

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

California's DMV approved autonomous-vehicle rules that let police issue non-compliance notices to manufacturers beginning July 1, 2026.
The rules impose no fines, require companies to report notices within 72 hours (24 for serious cases), and threaten permit suspension or revocation.
Officials including Senator Dave Cortese warned the lack of fines shifts costs to municipalities and may not deter firms such as Waymo, which has multiple violations.

History

Historical Context

After Nevada’s June 2011 law made it the world’s first jurisdiction to authorize driverless cars—implemented under Governor Brian Sandoval in March 2012—California followed, becoming the third state to permit testing when Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1298 in September 2012. Today both states use DMV oversight, with California granting its first autonomous-vehicle permit to Nuro on December 23 2020.

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Story summary

California's DMV approved autonomous-vehicle rules that let police issue non-compliance notices to manufacturers beginning July 1, 2026.
The rules impose no fines, require companies to report notices within 72 hours (24 for serious cases), and threaten permit suspension or revocation.
Officials including Senator Dave Cortese warned the lack of fines shifts costs to municipalities and may not deter firms such as Waymo, which has multiple violations.

1 / 2