AI Frontier Institute

Advanced driver assistance systems.

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California Senate Bill 1315 (Cabaldon, introduced February 20, 2026) amends the Vehicle Code to address both advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. The bill adds new Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 38756) to Division 16.6, which requires manufacturers of automobiles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (SAE Level 2) or autonomous technology (SAE Levels 3–5) to ensure drivers can disable or disengage those systems as a condition of operating the vehicle under any condition in which manual operation was previously available. Under Section 38758, manufacturers may not deploy software or software updates that remove this capability. Section 38759 authorizes the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney to bring civil enforcement actions, with civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation; each material non-compliant software update constitutes a separate violation. The bill specifies that a violation is not an unlawful business practice under Business and Professions Code Section 17200. Additionally, Section 12803.1 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles, at its next regularly scheduled revision of the driver's license examination or driving demonstration, to consider adding questions on: (a) the distinction between SAE Level 2 automation (driver remains responsible) and higher levels; (b) driver legal liability when ADAS is engaged; and (c) limitations of ADAS, including conditions under which systems may disengage. The bill also makes technical and conforming amendments to Sections 38750 and 38753 governing existing autonomous vehicle regulation, including definitions of 'autonomous technology' and 'autonomous vehicle' keyed to SAE standard J3016 (APR2021), and adds a chapter heading for Chapter 1 of Division 16.6.

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