CPUC Enhances Autonomous Vehicle Reporting Requirements to Boost Safety Standards
SAN FRANCISCO– The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today enhanced data reporting requirements for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), furthering its commitment to ensuring the safety and accountability of AV passenger service operators.
Key Highlights
- New Stoppage Event Reporting: AV operators will now be required to report incidents where AVs get stuck during operations. These incidents are defined by the CPUC as “stoppage events.” This critical data will inform public understanding of the passenger and public safety impacts of AV service interruptions.
- Enhanced Incident Reporting: AV operators will now be required to provide detailed trip-level incident reports that capture both collision and non-collision incidents, including citations and stoppage events. This enables more precise analysis of safety data.
- Streamlined Collision Reporting: All AV operators, regardless of their pilot or deployment status, will now be required to simultaneously file reports to the CPUC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within one day of any collision. These collision reports contain more comprehensive information, enabling better oversight and prompt responses to collisions.
“Today’s decision will provide critical information on how to keep passengers safe during their rides as we roll into a new era of more widespread autonomous vehicle use,” said Commissioner Matthew Baker, who is assigned to the proceeding. “These new reporting requirements are informed by millions of miles of experience over the past several years and provide a strong foundation for future updates to the CPUC’s regulations.”
Collaborative Approach to Regulation
The CPUC began work to evolve AV data reporting in May 2023, when a Commissioner Ruled to establish new requirements. The input gathered since then through comments and a collaborative workshop has directly shaped today’s decision, highlighting the CPUC’s commitment to stakeholder engagement.
Regulatory Framework for AVs in California
In California, both the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the CPUC are responsible for oversight of AV operators. The DMV oversees vehicle safety and operational integrity, while the CPUC is responsible for ensuring passenger safety. The CPUC will update its data reporting requirements based on the evolution of the AV industry and this will give CPUC staff the ability to adapt data reporting requirements as necessary.
More Information
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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