California DMV issued orders of suspension for driverless testing and robotaxi deployment in the state to GM-owned Cruise, an autonomous vehicle maker.
California DMV issued orders of suspension for driverless testing and robotaxi deployment in the state to GM-owned Cruise, an autonomous vehicle maker.
Original Title
California DMV - Orders of Suspension to GM-owned Cruise
California DMV issued orders of suspension for driverless testing and robotaxi deployment in the state to GM-owned Cruise, an autonomous vehicle maker.
California DMV issued orders of suspension for driverless testing and robotaxi deployment in the state to GM-owned Cruise, an autonomous vehicle maker.
CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
‘Autonomous Vehicles Branch MS D405
2415 Ist Avenue Sacramento, CA. 95818
October 24, 2023
ORDER OF SUSPENSION
thie 20 Autonomous Vehicles
iiiae LC Deployment Permit
1201 Bryant Street ay
San Francisco, CA 94103
‘The Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Permit issued to Cruise LLC is hereby suspended immediately
for violations pursuant to California Vehicle Code 38750 (4)(3), and California Code of Regulations
(CCR), Title 13, Division 1, Chapter 1, Article 3.8, Section 228.20(b)(3) and (6).
Facts,
‘On October 2, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., an accident occurred on or around 5" and Market
Streets in San Francisco. A pedestrian was struck, while in the crosswalk, by an unknown third-party
vehicle and fell into the path of a Cruise Autonomous Vehicle (AV). The AV initiated a hard-braking
maneuver and came toa complete stop. During the course of performing the hard-braking maneuver,
the AY collided with and ran over the pedestrian. After coming to a complete stop, the AV
subsequently attempted to perform a pullover maneuver while the pedestrian was undemeath the
vehicle, The AV traveled approximately 20 feet and reached a speed of 7 mph before coming toa
subsequent and final stop. The pedestrian remained under the vehicle.
On October 3, 2023, representatives of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway
Patrol met with representatives from Cruise to discuss the accident. During the meeting, the
department was shown video footage of the accident captured by the AV’s onboard cameras. The video
footage presented to the department ended with the AV’s initial stop following the hard-braking
maneuver. Footage of the subsequent movement of the AV to perform a pullover maneuver was not
shown to the department and Cruise did not disclose that any additional movement of the vehicle had
occurred after the initial stop of the vehicle. The department only leamed of the AV’s subsequent
movement via discussion with another government agency. The department requested Cruise provide a
copy of the video with the additional footage, which was received by the department on October 13,
2023,
California Relay Telephone Service for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing from TDD Phones: 1-800-735-2929; from Voice
Phones: |-800-735-2922
A Public Service Agencysis of Suspension
1. 13. CCR §228.20 (b) (6) - Based upon the performance of the vehicles, the Department
determines the manufacturer's vehicles are not safe for the public's operation,
After coming to an initial stop following the accident, the autonomous vehicle attempted to perform a
pullover maneuver while the pedestrian was under the vehicle. This action increased the risk of, and
may have caused. further injury to the pedestrian. ‘The subsequent maneuvering of the vehicle indicates
that Cruise's vehicles may lack the ability to respond in a sale and appropriate manner during incidents
involving a pedestrian so as not to unnecessarily put the pedestrian or others at risk of further injury.
2. 13. CCR $228.20 (b) (3) - The manufacturer has misrepresented any information related to safety
of the autonomous technology of its vehicles.
During the meeting on October 3, 2023, Cruise failed to disclose that the AV executed a pullover
maneuver that increased the risk of, and may have caused, further injury to a pedestrian. The
performance of the vehicle indicates Cruise’s vehicles may lack the ability to respond in a safe and
appropriate manner during incidents involving a pedestrian, Cruise’s omission hinders the ability of the
department to effectively and timely evaluate the safe operation of Cruise’s vehicles and puts the safety
of the public at risk
Ord
Pursuant to Title 13, Division 1, Chapter 1, Article 3.8, Section 298 20(¢) Cruise LLC shall
€ all commercial operations of autonomous vehicles on public roads until Cruise LLC has
demonstrated to the department that the manufacturer has taken appropriate action to correct the
deficiencies that caused the suspension. A peace officer may impound any vehicle operated
under a suspended permit pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22651 (0)(D)(ii).
Request for Hearing
Pursuant to Title 13, Division 1, Chapter 1, Article 3.8, Section 228.22, Cruise LLC may
request a hearing within five (5) days of receipt of this order of suspension. The Department
shall provide for a hearing within a reasonable time not to exceed 21 day’ alter a written
request for h s filed with the Department. A request for hearing does not stay the
effective date of the suspension. To request a hearing, please submit the enclosed Request for
Hearing form within five (3) days from receipt of this letter.
Date Bemard C. Soriano
Deputy Direetor, Policy
Calitirnia Relay ‘Telephone Service for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing from TDD Phones: 1-800-735-2929: from Voice
Phones: |-800-735-2922
A Public Service Agency