SB 431: Vehicles: driver-assistive truck platooning.

Existing law prohibits a driver of a motor vehicle from following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.

This bill would require a determination of a reasonable and prudent distance between 2 vehicles, for those purposes, to take into account presence of vehicle automation technology, as described.

Existing law requires motor vehicles being driven in a caravan or motorcade outside of a business or residence district to be operated so as to allow sufficient space, and in no event less than 100 feet, between each vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to overtake or pass.

This bill would provide that the above provision does not apply to a vehicle equipped with a driver-assistive truck platooning system, as defined, that is being driven upon a highway with 2 or more lanes of traffic in the direction of travel. a caravan or motorcade consists of 3 or more motor vehicles.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.