The new DMV regulations allow the Department to suspend or revoke the Manufacturer’s Testing Permit of any manufacturer for any act or omission of the manufacturer or one of its agents, employees, contractors or designees which the DMV finds makes the conduct of autonomous vehicle testing on public roads by the manufacturer an unreasonable risk to the public. The new DMV regulations do not allow permitholders to accept monetary compensation for rides in Test AVs. The Commission regulates passenger service provided by all common carriers. The Commission licenses TCPs to offer such service, develops rules and regulations for TCP permitholders, and enforces the rules and regulations. The Commission has an interest in the safety and consumer protection provided to passengers who receive passenger service in an AV, just as in all vehicles available for charter. The Commission has not limited the term “for compensation” to fees for service, but rather interpreted it expansively, considering whether a carrier receives an economic benefit from transporting passengers. TCP permit holders offering Drivered AV Passenger Service for free may receive other economic benefits in the form of rider feedback or public brand recognition. The Commission’s TCP Permit process can accommodate the entities wishing to participate in the pilot programs at present. Data about the operation of Drivered AV Passenger Service will be important to consider as AVs begin operation in California. Data about the operation of Driverless AV Passenger Service will be important to consider as AVs begin operation in California.
The new DMV regulations allow the Department to suspend or revoke the Manufacturer’s Testing Permit of any manufacturer for any act or omission of the manufacturer or one of its agents, employees, contractors or designees which the DMV finds makes the conduct of autonomous vehicle testing on public roads by the manufacturer an unreasonable risk to the public. The new DMV regulations do not allow permitholders to accept monetary compensation for rides in Test AVs. The Commission regulates passenger service provided by all common carriers. The Commission licenses TCPs to offer such service, develops rules and regulations for TCP permitholders, and enforces the rules and regulations. The Commission has an interest in the safety and consumer protection provided to passengers who receive passenger service in an AV, just as in all vehicles available for charter. The Commission has not limited the term “for compensation” to fees for service, but rather interpreted it expansively, considering whether a carrier receives an economic benefit from transporting passengers. TCP permit holders offering Drivered AV Passenger Service for free may receive other economic benefits in the form of rider feedback or public brand recognition. The Commission’s TCP Permit process can accommodate the entities wishing to participate in the pilot programs at present. Data about the operation of Drivered AV Passenger Service will be important to consider as AVs begin operation in California. Data about the operation of Driverless AV Passenger Service will be important to consider as AVs begin operation in California.
215279920.docx