Policy Trackers / State
State Regulations
Select a state to explore its AV operating framework, responsible agencies, regulations, decisions, and other current oversight mechanisms.
Colors show enacted legislation and executive order history. An earlier action may no longer be in force.
CA · Regulatory Framework
California
Separate testing and deployment permits
DMV regulates AV testing and deployment under Articles 3.7 and 3.8. Its 2026 update followed a draft, formal proposal and two modified comment rounds. CPUC separately authorizes passenger service: test pilots cannot charge fares, while deployment programs can. A DMV permit alone does not authorize paid rides.
Responsible Authority
DMV: vehicle testing, deployment permits and reporting. CPUC: passenger service pilots, fare-charging deployment, passenger safety and service reporting.
Agency Rules and Decisions
DMV · driverless testing and deployment proposal
DMV proposed a regulatory framework for driverless testing and deployment, followed by modified texts in October and November 2017
Agency Record ↗DMV · light-duty delivery vehicle rules
DMV began accepting applications under approved rules for autonomous delivery trucks below 10,001 pounds
Agency Record ↗DMV · draft testing and deployment update
DMV requested public comments on draft changes to Articles 3.7 (testing) and 3.8 (deployment)
Agency Record ↗DMV · formal regulatory proposal
DMV published proposed changes to Articles 3.7 and 3.8 and its initial statement of reasons; the initial comment period ended June 9, 2025
Agency Record ↗DMV · first modified proposal
DMV released revised regulatory text for another comment round, which closed December 18, 2025
Agency Record ↗DMV · second modified proposal
DMV released a second revision of Articles 3.7 and 3.8; comments closed February 5, 2026
Agency Record ↗DMV · updated testing and deployment rules effective
The adopted Article 3.7 testing and Article 3.8 deployment updates took effect
Agency Record ↗CPUC · passenger service pilots
Decision 18-05-043 authorized drivered and driverless test AV passenger service
Agency Record ↗CPUC · paid passenger deployment framework
Decision 20-11-046, as modified by 21-05-017, authorized drivered and driverless paid passenger service programs
Agency Record ↗CPUC · enhanced passenger service reporting
CPUC adopted enhanced AV reporting after a 2023 workshop and public comments, extending oversight of passenger safety and service activity
Agency Record ↗Reviewed 2026-09-23 · Reviewed Site Snapshot.