Self-driving trucks are arguably the next “big thing” in logistics, heralded as a potential solution to the widespread labor shortage. While there’s been a lot of talk in the last few years, only a handful of states have actually put their money where their mouth is. Recently, the state houses of Indiana and Ohio agreed on a deal that will see self-driving trucks operating on the highway that connects the two states, putting the issue right back into the spotlight.
The idea of autonomous vehicles might not have much buy-in among truckers themselves, but ultimately, you can’t stop progress. Some states already have self-driving trucks on the road, some have begun to explore the possibility, and others are pushing back against the movement.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a complete list of states and how much progress they’ve made on the autonomous truck issue. And make sure to check back because we’ll be regularly updating this page.
Alabama
Autonomous commercial vehicles are legally permitted in Alabama, with legislation passed in 2019 to allow the deployment of “autonomous commercial vehicles” on public roads. While these vehicles are required to carry liability insurance of $2 million, they are not required to have a human operator in the vehicle.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Alabama?
Not at present. However, that will likely change soon, with progress on self-driving trucks gathering steam.
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Alaska
While legislation to regulate the use of autonomous vehicles was recently introduced, there is no word on whether or not that applies to self-driving trucks. As per the bill, self-driving vehicles require a human operator to be in attendance at all times during interstate commerce.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Alaska?
No, and with the state notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to autonomous vehicle legislation, don’t expect that to change in the near-future.
Arizona
Self-driving trucks are fully permitted in Arizona. It was recently reported that they had begun to make journeys in Texas. Those plans were originally announced in September 2024, at which point it was expected that the company behind them, Aurora, would incorporate Phoenix into its proposed route.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Arizona?
Yes, various companies have been testing self-driving trucks on Arizona roads since 2019 – albeit, sometimes with a human operator in attendance.
In addition, Aurora plans to expand its driverless service to El Paso and Phoenix “by the end of 2025,” according to The Verge.
Arkansas
Arkansas allows self-driving trucks on its roads, with the state legislature laying the groundwork with a landmark bill, in the process becoming the 30th US state to allow autonomous vehicles on the road.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Arkansas?
Yes, the state has tested self-driving trucks on its roads for years. In 2023, Tyson Foods announced a partnership with Gaitak that would see self-driving refrigerated box trucks on Tyson routes in Northwest Arkansas.
Elsewhere, driverless trucks started making “middle-mile” deliveries in Bentonville back in 2021, as a result of a partnership between Gaitak and Walmart.
California
No, self-driving trucks are not permitted in California at the moment. The issue has long been a thorn in the state’s side.
In 2023, the state legislature passed a bill that required human drivers to be aboard self-driving semi-trailer trucks, but it was later vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who claimed that existing laws governing autonomous vehicles were sufficient.
The same year, driverless car company Cruise had its license suspended by the DMV after a pedestrian was struck by one of its vehicles and sustained life-threatening injuries.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in California?
No, but this could soon be set to change. In April, state regulators tabled a new proposal to allow for the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks on public roads.
Colorado
Self-driving trucks are permitted in Colorado, with one big caveat. State lawmakers recently voted through legislation that would require self-driving trucks to be attended by a human operator at all times.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Colorado?
Not at present.
Connecticut
Autonomous vehicles are permitted for testing in Connecticut, but only with a human operator present. It is not clear whether or not this applies to self-driving trucks. Last year, the University of Connecticut revived plans to build a “smart city” and research lab for the testing of such vehicles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Connecticut?
Not at present.
Delaware
Testing autonomous vehicles in Delaware is permitted. However, there is no explicit legislation stating whether or not this applies to self-driving trucks.
The state senate is currently debating SB46 – a piece of legislation that would prevent autonomous trucks in excess of 26,000 lbs from traveling on the roads without human supervision. If enacted, this would make Delaware the only state in the US to issue an outright statute banning driverless trucks.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Delaware?
Not at present. Autonomous vehicles have been tested in agricultural fields, but not on public highways.
Florida
Self-driving trucks are fully permitted on Florida roads, which could make a solid claim to being one of the biggest advocates for the technology in the country. Last year, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill to “drastically” expand the testing and use of driverless vehicles in the state.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Florida?
Yes. Back in 2022, Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous trucking startup, expanded its services to the Sunshine State in partnership with 10 Roads Express.
Georgia
Yes, driverless trucks are allowed in Georgia. The state pretty quick off the mark with its autonomous vehicle legislation, becoming the sixth to legalize self-driving vehicles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Georgia?
Yes, autonomous truck testing is “underway” on Georgian roads, with Kodiak Robotics and Pilot Company teaming up to unveil an “autonomous truckport” in 2023.
According to Don Burnette, Kodiak CEO:
“Partnering with Pilot Company to build the Villa Rica truckport ensures that we have access to the truckport services we need…The freight lane between Dallas and Atlanta is critical to the nation’s supply chain and economy, and this truckport enables us to refine our operations model as we continue to grow.”
Hawaii
Self-driving trucks are not legally permitted in Hawaii, but the testing of autonomous vehicles is broadly allowed. Marking its first real foray into the autonomous vehicle space, the Hawaii Department of Transportation last year piloted an autonomous electric passenger shuttle bus at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Hawaii?
Not at present.
Idaho
Self-driving vehicles are not currently allowed in Idaho. In 2018, Governor C L “Butch” Otter signed an executive order to support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which included the formation of a committee to study autonomous vehicles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Idaho?
Not at present, and that is not likely to change for a while.
Illinois
Autonomous vehicles are legally allowed on the roads in Illinois, but it is not clear whether or not this applies to commercial trucks. When it comes to autonomous vehicles, Illinois came out of the blocks quickly. In 2019, Autobon AI tested a self-driving freight vehicle – albeit one with a human on standby – and promised that more would follow.
Then, in 2021, the state Department of Transportation launched a multiagency initiative, dubbed “Autonomous Illinois,” which was tasked with advancing research into this burgeoning area. Last year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign began work on the Autonomous and Connected Track, a test track for high-speed autonomous freights.
In spite of all this, there hasn’t been much legal or regulatory action in the space.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Illinois?
Not at present, but with the state open-minded about the possibilities of autonomous vehicles, expect this to change.
Indiana
Yes, it is permitted to test self-driving trucks in Indiana. In fact, an agreement between the Indiana and Ohio Departments of Transportation recently saw such a test taking place. The “automated platooning technology” test formed part of a multi-year project that is partially funded by the federal government.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Indiana?
No, these vehicles are not currently allowed to be freely operated on public roads. But with tests underway, this won’t be the case for long.
Iowa
Automated vehicle testing is permitted in Iowa, but it is not clear if that applies to self-driving trucks. This was enshrined into law by a 2019 piece of legislation, “Iowa Code 321.514.”
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Iowa?
Not at the moment, but the Iowa Department of Transportation states: “Companies are looking to pilot automated trucks on freight corridors,” which suggests that driverless trucks are not far aware.
Kansas
Yes, driverless trucks are allowed in Kansas. In 2022, Governor Laura Kelly signed into law a bill that permitted self-driving vehicles to operate on public highways, as long as they don’t exceed 34,000lbs.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Kansas?
Not at the moment, but Gaitak has previously tested driverless trucks in the state.
Kentucky
Kentucky legalized self-driving vehicles on public roads in July 2024. While this does include driverless trucks, there are caveats – for example, vehicles that exceed 62,000lbs must have a human operator present until July 31, 2026.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Kentucky?
No, and don’t expect that to change soon. State representative Josh Bray doesn’t believe we’ll see driverless trucks on the road “for the next 10-15 years.”
Louisiana
Driverless trucks have been allowed in Louisiana since 2019, with the state among the early adopters of autonomous-vehicle friendly legislation.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Louisiana?
Not at the moment, but it’s widely expected that the state will soon follow the example of Texas and begin testing vehicles on its roads. A Gaitak test from 2020 placed human operators behind the wheel, but it is not confirmed whether or not any future tests would follow suit.
Maine
Driverless trucks are not yet permitted in Maine, despite the passage of the Automated Driving Safety Act. It is, however, legal to test autonomous vehicles on Maine roads, although this does not appear to apply to trucks.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Maine?
Not at the moment.
Maryland
Fully automated trucks are not yet legal for unrestricted use in Maryland. However, the Maryland General Assembly is currently debating a proposed bill that would establish regulations for driverless vehicles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Maryland?
Not at the moment.
Massachusetts
Driverless trucks are not yet fully legal in Massachusetts. It is legal to test autonomous vehicles, and tests have been ongoing for nearly 10 years, but it is not clear if they have involved trucks, and anyway, the state is one of six that explicitly require a human operator in attendance.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Massachusetts?
Not presently, and there is nothing to suggest that this will soon change.
Michigan
No, driverless trucks are not permitted in Michigan. The state was an early adopter of driverless vehicle legislation, allowing manufacturers to test autonomous vehicles with a human in attendance from 2013.
Ultimately, questions over legal accountability when one such vehicle is involved in an accident have stifled automated vehicle progress in the state.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Michigan?
Not at the moment, but that is expected to change soon.
Minnesota
It is legal to operate an autonomous vehicle in Minnesota, but this does not currently apply to self-driving trucks.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Minnesota?
No, and it’s not likely that they will be for a long time.
Mississippi
Self-driving trucks are legal in Mississippi, with the state approving their use on public roads in 2023. Shortly afterwards, in 2024, an electric autonomous shuttle bus debuted at Mississippi State University as part of an exploration of how autonomous vehicles could be used on the campus in the future.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Mississippi?
Not currently, but with the appropriate legislation already in place, this is sure to change soon.
Missouri
Self-driving vehicles, including trucks, are legally permitted on Missouri roads. A recent partnership between Kodiak Robotics and Missouri-based Artur Express will test autonomous electric trucks in the St. Louis area “in the second half of 2025,” according to Transport Topics.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Missouri?
Not yet, but there will soon be, courtesy of Kodiak Robotics and Artur Express.
Montana
Self-driving trucks are legal in Montana, with some of Aurora’s research into this area conducted on Lone Peak in Big Sky, in the south of the state.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Montana?
Not right now, but Aurora has recently announced the opening of a new 78,000-square-foot office and testing facility in Bozeman. In other words, Montana is primed for a glut of autonomous vehicle activity in the coming months and years.
Nebraska
Self-driving trucks are not legal in Nebraska, but the state approved the presence of self-driving cars on public roads back in 2018. Activity in this space has been very limited.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Nebraska?
No, and there likely won’t be for a long time, with regulatory progress in this space very slow.
Nevada
Autonomous trucks are currently legal in Nevada. However, lawmakers are currently debating a bill that would ban large driverless trucks and buses from roads in Nevada, with a human operator to be required at all times.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Nevada?
Yes, and they’ve been in operation since 2015. Nevada permits vehicles of all automation levels on its roads.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire permits the testing of driverless vehicles on its roads, including trucks. However, human operators are required in some of these cases.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in New Hampshire?
Vehicle companies have tested driverless trucks on New Jersey roads, but it’s not known if those tests are currently taking place.
New Jersey
New Jersey permits the testing of autonomous trucks with a human operator in attendance. In 2023, the Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey conducted a joint demonstration of a driverless shuttle van at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in New Jersey?
Not currently, but self-driving cars are being tested on roads in the Garden State.
New Mexico
New Mexico permits the testing of driverless trucks. In 2024, Kodiak Robotics spearheaded a series of tests that saw autonomous Class 8 trucks complete a series of 21-mile journeys. According to Kodiak CEO Don Burnette, “We operated the first driverless run with no one inside the cab.”
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in New Mexico?
Yes. In the Permian Basin, autonomous trucks have been carrying loads of sand as part of a collaboration between Atlas Energy Solutions and Kodiak Robotics.
New York
It is legal for companies to test driverless trucks in New York. However, in 2024, state senator Pete Harckham introduced new legislation that will require drivers to accompany self-driving trucks that weigh more than 10,000lbs on state roadways.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in New York?
Currently, there are no self-driving trucks on the road in New York.
North Carolina
The use of autonomous vehicles is legally permitted in North Carolina, but it is not clear if that also applies to trucks. In 2023, the state Department of Transportation launched “Advance Mobility NC,” an initiative aimed at accelerating existing autonomous vehicle progress.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in North Carolina?
Not at present. Autonomous shuttle buses have been tested on state roads in the last few years.
North Dakota
The use of driverless trucks in North Dakota is legally allowed. However, this issue is currently under discussion in the state House of Representatives, with lawmakers seeking to introduce new restrictions on automated vehicles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in North Dakota?
Yes, self-driving trucks have been delivering sugar beets to a Wahpeton factor since August 2024. However, there has been a human operator in attendance.
Ohio
The testing of automated trucks is legal in Ohio. In December 2024, Ohio University researchers concluded a four-year project in collaboration with the state Department of Transportation and DriveOhio that saw self-driving vehicles tested on hilly terrain in Athens and Vinton. Largely, the experiment was a success and may soon open the door for further research into this area.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Ohio?
Yes – they are currently being tested on Interstate 70.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma passed a bill in 2022 that greenlit autonomous vehicles on state roads, including trucks, without the need for a human operator. At the time, state senator Paul Rosino argued:
“We don’t have enough truck drivers as it is. If we don’t allow AVs, we’re still going to have supply chain issues in our state and country. These vehicles are safe, and this legislation will help our state take advantage of this technology as so many others are already doing.”
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Oklahoma?
Yes. Since 2023, Maersk and Kodiak Robotics have been hauling consumer goods with autonomous trucks between Houston and Oklahoma City.
Oregon
Oregon has allowed autonomous vehicle testing, including trucks, on state roads since 2018. At the time, it created a Task Force on Autonomous Vehicles to spearhead ongoing policy and research, but the group was later disbanded in 2021. Then, in January 2025, the state government introduced new regulations to ensure that “safety protocols are in place.”
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Oregon?
It’s not clear if there any on the road at present, but companies including Daimler have tested autonomous trucks in the state since 2018.
Pennsylvania
As of July 2023, Pennsylvania allows driverless cars and trucks on the road when “certain conditions” are met. Among them, the laws allow “platooning,” but only when a human driver is in operation in the lead vehicle.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Pennsylvania?
Aurora tests driverless trucks on its test track, based in Pittsburgh, but there aren’t currently trucks on public highways.
Rhode Island
While driverless vehicles can operate in Rhode Island with a human driver present, it is not clear if this applies to trucks. With concerns about road conditions in Rhode Island, it will likely be a while before autonomous trucks make it to public roadways in the state.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Rhode Island?
Not at present.
South Carolina
Self-driving trucks are permitted on the road in South Carolina. While the state hasn’t been very forthcoming on its rules and regulations in this area, it has explicitly stated that truck platooning for commercial vehicles is permitted without mandatory distance requirements.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in South Carolina?
Not at present, but Kodiak Robotics clocked up more than 50,000 miles between January and August 2024 with self-driving trucks.
South Dakota
South Dakota was allows driverless trucks and other vehicles on its roads. The state was relatively late to the party, only establishing a regulatory framework to allow autonomous vehicles to be tested on the road in 2024.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in South Dakota?
Not at present.
Tennessee
At present, driverless trucks are allowed in Tennessee, but this could be set to change. In January 2025, the general assembly tabled a bill that would require a human operator to be in attendance during journeys.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Tennessee?
Yes. As part of a three-year contract, an Einride autonomous trucks is currently delivering finished goods to a GE Appliances warehouse in Selmer.
Texas
Not only are autonomous trucks permitted in Texas, but the state can lay claim to the most forward-thinking approach in this particular area.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Texas?
In recent weeks, Aurora driverless trucks have made “regular” customer deliveries between Houston and Dallas, clocking up over 1,200 miles since the start of May. In March, autonomous semi-trucks began hauling frac sand across West Texas as a result of a partnership between Atlas Energy Solutions and Kodiak Robotics.
Utah
Utah permits autonomous trucks, but the state has made pretty minimal progress in this area. In 2019, its Department of Transportation and the Utah Transit Authority teamed up to launch a 15-month automated shuttle pilot. During this time, it carried 6,727 passengers and traveled nearly 1,347 miles.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Utah?
Not at present.
Vermont
You can test self-driving trucks in Vermont, with Springfield becoming the first town to welcome automated vehicles on its roads in early 2021.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Vermont?
Not at present.
Virginia
It is legal to test automated trucks in Virginia, which currently has a bill halfway through its statehouse that seeks to introduce new restrictions. Among them, a human operator may need to be present in autonomous vehicles that exceed 62,000 lbs.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Virginia?
Not at present, but Torc tested autonomous trucks on the road last year. As the company is headquartered in Virginia, it’s highly likely that future tests are imminent.
Washington
Self-driving trucks can legally operate on Washington roads. In 2023, state senator Matt Boehnke introduced legislation to establish some rules and regulations around the use of fully autonomous vehicles. Among these, vehicles must maintain compliance with traffic and motor vehicle safety laws.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Washington?
Not at present.
West Virginia
A law passed in 2022 authorized the use of fully autonomous trucks on West Virginian roads. As per the bill, operators must establish a plan for how the state can communicate with a “fleet support specialist” during operation.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in West Virginia?
Not at present.
Wisconsin
While Wisconsin does permit the testing of autonomous trucks in the state, a human operator is currently required behind the wheel at all times.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Wisconsin?
Not at present.
Wyoming
Wyoming permits self-driving trucks, but at present, doesn’t regulate their usage. This is set to change, with state lawmakers determined to introduce some official rules and regulations.
Are there self-driving trucks on the road in Wyoming?
Not at present.
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Are Self-Driving Trucks Safe?
One of the biggest issues standing in the way of further mainstream adoption is safety. While advocates point to the fact that human error is overwhelmingly the leading cause of traffic collisions, its opponents counter that technology is not perfect, and when it goes wrong, the impact can be catastrophic.
In 2018, a woman named Elaine Herzberg was killed when she was struck by a self-driving Uber vehicle. While a human operator was present in the vehicle, she wasn’t paying attention at the time of the crash. This incident, and others like it, is held up as an example of the problem with autonomous vehicles.
While there’s no denying that this technology poses a potential risk, the upsides are massive. And with there being no shortage of cutting-edge technology for fleet managers and operators to keep on top of their vehicles, including fleet management software, it’s getting safer by the day.
