California Grants First Permits for Heavy Autonomous Vehicle Road Testing

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has issued the state’s inaugural permits that allow companies to test heavy autonomous vehicles on public roads. The move marks the first regulatory step toward integrating self‑driving trucks into everyday traffic. While the permits focus on heavy vehicles, they signal a broader willingness to evaluate autonomous technology in real‑world conditions. Companies that receive the permits can now conduct on‑road trials, gathering data on safety, performance, and interaction with human drivers. The approval also provides a framework for future testing protocols and could accelerate the deployment of autonomous freight solutions. However, the permits are limited to testing; commercial operation will still require additional approvals.