CA SB 1298 (2012 AV authorization)
California SB 1298 — Autonomous Vehicles (Testing and Deployment)
California · Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38750 et seq.
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- January 1, 2013
- Applies to
- AV manufacturers, testers, and deployment operators on California public roads
- Enforced by
- California Department of Motor Vehicles; California Public Utilities Commission (passenger service)
California's foundational autonomous-vehicle statute. SB 1298 directed the DMV to adopt regulations for testing and eventual deployment of AVs on California roads, including an autonomous-vehicle tester permit, insurance and bonding rules, and the framework later used for the Cruise and Waymo robotaxi authorizations.
Who is protected: California motorists and pedestrians sharing roads with AVs
Legal detail
Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38750 et seq. (added by SB 1298, Stats. 2012, ch. 570); implementing regulations at 13 CCR §§ 227.00–227.54 (Testing) and §§ 228.00–228.28 (Deployment).
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | September 25, 2012 |
| Citation | Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38750 et seq. |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Permit suspension/revocation; civil penalties; CPUC enforcement for passenger AVs |
| Topics | government use of AI · consumer protection · automated decision-making |
| Bill text | California Legislative Information: SB 1298 (2011–2012) |
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