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wire / 2026-08-17-0e43

California Permits Public Road Testing of Self-Driving Trucks Amid Safety Concerns

August 17, 2026 · USA HAZARD PHYSICALECONOMIC

California cleared Aurora and Kodiak to test autonomous semis on public roads with safety drivers. Unions are handling the objections.

The facts

California has granted Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI permits to test autonomous heavy-duty trucks on public roads, with safety drivers required. Testing began around Mountain View. The move follows regulatory changes and faces legal challenges from unions citing safety and economic risks, though no incidents have occurred yet.