Autonomous vehicles operating under California testing permits logged more than 9 million miles on public roads between Dec. 1, 2024, and Nov. 30, 2025, according to new data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It’s a sign that self-driving technology is becoming an increasingly common sight for travelers.
So far, motorized RVs are not involved in the testing, but it’s safe to assume that one day the technology will allow those owners to let a “robot” do the driving.
The figures come from the state’s annual Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement Reports, which track when a human safety driver takes control because of technology limits, safety concerns or changing road conditions. Regulators emphasize the reports are meant to provide transparency, not rank companies.
For RVers and other highway travelers, the growing number of test miles means more encounters with autonomous vehicles, particularly in California’s urban corridors and major travel routes. Most testing still involves safety drivers behind the wheel.
The reported mileage covers only testing on California public roads. It does not include simulation work, private-road testing, out-of-state operations or certain driver-assist technologies already common in passenger vehicles and some motorhomes.
California has required disengagement reporting since 2014 and continues refining regulations. See the chart above.
The DMV said updated autonomous vehicle rules are expected later this year, including new safety metrics aimed at better capturing significant real-world events.
As the technology evolves, transportation experts say RVers should expect gradual integration rather than sudden change—but staying alert and driving defensively remains essential, regardless of who or what is driving nearby.
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RVT1250b
what was the accident rate? Compared?
And when someone dies in an accident involving one of these vehicles who goes to Jail or is found guilty of negligence and has to pay up? Some corporation?
Insurance similar to a product liability claim. You can’t sue and incarcerate a toaster for burning down your house but your insurance company might recover the loss from the manufacturer if willful negligence is determined.
Interestingly – With all those miles driven, January 2025 was the first fatality involving a Waymo car in California. And it wasn’t at fault.
IMHO – Taking one less injury or death out of the driver’s seat for insurance to cover isn’t a bad thing.
Keep ’em in California. The rest of the states will be safer.
We winter outside Austin, TX. It is difficult to not encounter one or several autonomous vehicles throughout the metro area. Even sadder? These robots, unlike a whole lot of Texans, know how to use turn signals.
Thank you for sharing this RV Travel. I do not think I would want to be the one overseeing the “robot’s” driving. I likely would wonder if I could over-ride it every time I think it necessary. Have a great week and safe travels.