Vehicles: consumer notices.

Existing law requires any new motor vehicles sold in the state to have certain notices to the consumer either affixed to the vehicle or provided to the buyer. Existing law regulates autonomous vehicles equipped with technology that has the capability to drive a vehicle without the active physical control or monitoring by a human operator. Under existing law, this does not include collision avoidance systems, including, but not limited to, electronic blind spot assistance, automated emergency braking systems, park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam and queuing assist, or other similar systems that enhance safety or provide driver assistance, but are not capable, collectively or singularly, of driving the vehicle without the active control or monitoring of a human operator. This bill would require a dealer or manufacturer that sells any new passenger vehicle that is equipped with a partial driving automation feature, as defined, or that provides any software update or vehicle upgrade that adds a partial driving automation feature, to provide the buyer or owner with a consumer notice that describes the functions and limitations of those features. Any violation of these requirements would be punishable as an infraction. The bill would additionally prohibit a manufacturer or dealer from deceptively naming or marketing these features, as specified. By creating a new infraction, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.