Self-driving trucks can now carry hazardous materials on public roads

US regulators are asking for public input on new rules that would allow self-driving vehicles to transport hazardous materials. This means companies using automated trucks could move dangerous goods like chemicals or fuels without a human driver.

For decades, rules for transporting hazardous materials assumed a human driver was always in control. These new rules would change that basic assumption. It means companies developing self-driving trucks can now plan to use them for a much wider range of cargo, including the most profitable and risky loads.