The California Department of Motor Vehicles adopted new regulations on Tuesday governing autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, expanding safety and oversight requirements for all types of self-driving vehicles.

The updated regulations include provisions allowing law enforcement agencies to cite autonomous vehicle operators and enhanced safety protocols for manufacturers operating in the state. The DMV stated the changes are designed to address public safety concerns and maintain oversight of autonomous vehicle companies.

The regulatory update comes as emergency first responders have raised concerns about the current state of autonomous vehicle technology. Federal regulators received testimony last month from a police official who expressed reservations about the pace of deployment, stating that the technology may have been introduced too quickly across large fleets.

The official specifically cited concerns about hundreds of vehicles being deployed before the technology was sufficiently mature. These concerns reflect ongoing tensions between the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology and public safety considerations.

California has been a key testing ground for autonomous vehicles, with multiple companies operating fleets in the state. The new regulations represent the state's effort to balance technological innovation with safety oversight as the industry continues to expand its operations.