SAN FRANCISCO - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has suspended the permits of autonomous vehicle firm Cruise LLC, citing concerns over the safety of their driverless robotaxis. The decision, effective immediately, does not impact the company's permit for testing with a safety driver.

The DMV invoked specific regulations as the basis for their decision. According to 13 CCR §228.20 (b) (6), the DMV determined that the manufacturer's vehicles were not safe for public operation based on their performance. Furthermore, 13 CCR §228.20 (b) (3) stated that Cruise had misrepresented information related to the safety of its autonomous technology. Additionally, 13 CCR §227.42 (b) (5) stated that the DMV found the manufacturer's conduct of testing on public roads to be an unreasonable risk to the public.

Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, had been given authorization by the state's Public Utilities Commission to expand testing of their robotaxis in San Francisco, along with rival Waymo. However, concerns have arisen regarding the vehicles' performance and interference with first responders.

City officials in San Francisco criticized the decision to expand testing and have asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to pause authorization, favoring a more incremental approach due to reports of the vehicles making wrong turns, stalling in the middle of the road, and interfering with emergency services.

The DMV's decision came after two crashes involving Cruise's robotaxis, one of which involved an emergency vehicle. Consequently, the DMV has requested Cruise to halve their fleet of robotaxis in the city. In a separate incident, a human driver struck a woman near Market and Fifth streets, sending her into the path of a robotaxi. The woman suffered serious injuries, and authorities are currently searching for the hit-and-run driver.

Following the DMV's announcement, Cruise voluntarily decided to suspend operations of their autonomous vehicles in San Francisco. The company expressed its commitment to developing and deploying autonomous vehicles with the aim of saving lives.

Regarding the hit-and-run incident, Cruise stated that the autonomous vehicle braked aggressively and attempted to pull over upon detecting the collision. However, it continued before coming to a final stop, pulling the pedestrian forward. The company highlighted that it has shared information, including video footage, with the DMV, CPUC, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Cruise has also assisted in identifying the hit-and-run vehicle.

The NHTSA recently announced an investigation into Cruise following reports of incidents where their autonomous vehicles allegedly failed to exercise proper caution around pedestrians in roadways.

The DMV has informed Cruise of the necessary steps to apply for reinstatement of the suspended permits. However, the agency clarified that reinstatement would only be granted if the company fulfills the requirements to the department's satisfaction. Cruise stated that its teams are analyzing potential enhancements to the autonomous vehicle's response in rare events such as the hit-and-run incident.

As the investigation continues, concerns over the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles persist. The DMV's decision to suspend Cruise's permits highlights the need for continued scrutiny and regulations in the development and deployment of driverless technology.