California DMV Grants Driverless Ride Permits to Waymo and Cruise
The California DMV grants deployment permits to Waymo and Cruise, bringing autonomous public rides closer to reality. However, the companies still face regulatory hurdles and specific operating restrictions before launching paid services.
The California DMV gives Waymo and Cruise permission to offer autonomous vehicle rides to the general public in specific parts of the state. Cruise receives a permit to deploy five fully driverless vehicles for commercial services in designated areas of San Francisco. Because Cruise already secures a driverless pilot permit from the CPUC in June, it does not need a human driver behind the wheel.
Waymo also receives a deployment permit, but it still requires a human driver to remain behind the wheel during operations. The company operates its hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivans and all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in parts of San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Waymo vehicles run around the clock with a speed limit of 65 mph, offering a wider operational window than Cruise.
Both companies face strict weather restrictions and are not allowed to drive in conditions worse than light rain or light fog. Additionally, Cruise vehicles are limited to a maximum speed of 30 mph and can only operate between 10 PM and 6 AM. Before offering paid passenger rides, both Waymo and Cruise still need to secure final deployment permits from the California Public Utilities Commission.