AVIA Statement on California AB 2286 to Ban AV Trucks

Washington D.C. - The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association issued the following statement from chief executive officer Jeff Farrah on California AB 2286, a bill to ban autonomous trucks in the state:

“The autonomous vehicle industry agrees with Governor Gavin Newsom who concluded just a few months ago that a ban on autonomous trucks in California is ‘unnecessary.’ California’s expert safety regulators and law enforcement officials oversee the safe deployment of AVs and consider appropriate regulatory action. AB 2286 is particularly disappointing considering Governor Newsom has directed the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to lead a process on workforce matters and autonomous heavy-duty vehicles.

“Let’s be clear: California needs truck drivers and autonomous trucks, and both will thrive together in the future. California faces acute supply chain challenges, and truck drivers and autonomous trucks will work together to support the state’s farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small businesses. The AV industry looks forward to continued dialogue with California lawmakers on these important issues and to continued work with California safety, labor and economic officials.”

About the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA)

AVIA works with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles. As the unified voice of the AV industry, the association is comprised of companies with diverse technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, ridehail, trucking, and logistics sectors. Bringing together their varied backgrounds, the companies formed AVIA to advance AVs’ tremendous safety, mobility and economic benefits to consumers in the safest and swiftest manner possible.