CA AB2866

Amends Vehicle Code Section 38750 to authorize testing and operation of autonomous vehicles without a driver present or without traditional controls (brake pedal, accelerator pedal, steering wheel) on public roads, provided all other safety requirements are met and the operator can take immediate manual control in emergencies.

Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt regulations by July 1, 2018 establishing requirements for testing driverless autonomous vehicles and those without traditional control mechanisms, with regulations remaining in effect for four years from adoption.

Mandates a report to the Legislature no later than six months after the regulations expire on the results of testing and operation of driverless and non-traditionally-equipped autonomous vehicles.

Maintains existing requirements including $5 million insurance, certification that autonomous technology meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 30-second sensor data capture before collisions, and manufacturer application approval by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Removes the original pilot project provisions that would have required three counties to conduct testing from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018.