The robots are coming for everything—our jobs, our fast-food orders, and now, apparently, our 18-wheelers. But before self-driving semis could roll unchecked through Colorado’s mountain passes, state lawmakers threw down the ultimate speed bump: House Bill 25-1122.
This bill, introduced on January 28, 2025, by Rep. Sheila Lieder, says one thing loud and clear: Autonomous trucks? Sure. But not without a human CDL-holder riding shotgun.
Translation? No big rig in Colorado is going fully robo-trucker anytime soon.
Let’s break it down—because this bill isn’t just about keeping AI from taking over trucking (at least, not yet). It’s also about safety, common sense, and making sure that the “Terminator” future stays in Hollywood where it belongs.
Colorado’s “No Solo Robots” Rule for Trucking
The Automated Driving System Commercial Motor Vehicle Bill (HB25-1122) does something pretty straightforward:
No CDL, No Ride – If a commercial truck is driving itself, a CDL-certified human must be inside, paying attention.
The CDL Driver Must Be Awake – No catching up on Netflix or taking a nap while the AI does all the work. They need to be monitoring the vehicle at all times.
Step in Before It Gets Ugly – If something goes sideways (which in trucking, it always can), the CDL driver must be ready to take control before a self-driving semi ends up in the median like a crashed sci-fi experiment.
No Sneaky Loopholes – Companies can’t pretend their robo-trucks are “super safe” and dodge the rule. If a truck is automated and moving freight in Colorado, a human better be inside.
Seems reasonable, right? Well, for those who think they can get away with breaking the rule, Colorado’s ready to hit them where it hurts—right in the wallet.
Want to Test the Law? Prepare to Pay Up
If any trucking company tries to ignore HB25-1122, they’ll soon regret it. Colorado’s fines start light but get real heavy, real fast:
First offense? $1,000 fine. Annoying, but manageable.
Second offense? $2,000 fine. Getting a little expensive now.
Third offense? The fine doubles every single time. At that rate, by your fifth or sixth violation, you might as well just buy a human driver a mansion and call it a day.
Colorado lawmakers aren’t playing games—you can either keep a CDL driver in that cab, or you can fund the state budget with fines.
Why Is Colorado Doing This?
Some might think this is just old-school lawmakers fighting against new technology, but let’s be real—there’s a reason why fully driverless trucks haven’t taken over yet.
1. Because Colorado’s Roads Are No Joke
Think about it—Colorado is one of the hardest places in the country to drive a semi.
Winter ice storms? AI might be great at parallel parking, but can it handle black ice on a mountain pass?
Wildlife crossings? Does AI really know what to do when a 1,200-pound elk decides to play Frogger on the highway?
Steep grades and runaway ramps? AI can follow GPS, but can it feel when a truck is about to lose control going downhill?
Lawmakers aren’t convinced that self-driving semis are up for the challenge of Colorado’s terrain. And honestly? Neither are most truckers.
2. Because AI Is Smart—But Not That Smart
Automated trucks are making huge strides. Companies like Tesla, Aurora, and Waymo have trucks that can:
Stay in their lane
Maintain a safe following distance
Slow down for traffic
Great, but what happens when:
A reckless driver cuts them off?
A snowstorm hits and visibility drops to zero?
A blown tire sends the truck swerving?
The answer? We don’t know yet. And Colorado isn’t ready to let AI play a game of “trial and error” with 80,000-pound semis.
3. Because Trucking Jobs Still Matter
There’s another elephant in the room: automation is coming for jobs, and trucking is no exception.
There are over 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S., and they’re rightfully worried that self-driving tech will push them out of work.
Colorado’s new law doesn’t stop self-driving trucks—but it does make sure truckers aren’t getting kicked out of the cab just yet.
It’s a compromise: AI can help, but humans still run the show.
Where Is the Bill Now?
Right now, HB25-1122 is sitting in the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee. If it passes, self-driving trucks won’t be going full robo-pilot in Colorado anytime soon.
This move could also set a precedent for other states. If Colorado enforces human-in-the-cab laws, other states might follow suit. That could slow down the push for fully autonomous trucking nationwide.
What This Means for the Future of Trucking
For Trucking Companies
- They’ll have to keep CDL drivers in the mix—no fully autonomous fleets in Colorado (yet).
- This might impact where companies test self-driving trucks—they might choose states with looser rules.
For CDL Holders
- Good news: You still have a job! AI isn’t taking over completely yet.
- Your role might evolve. In the future, CDL drivers may shift to monitoring trucks rather than driving them full-time.
For Lawmakers
- If this bill passes, other states may take notice and introduce similar laws.
- The debate over safety vs. innovation in trucking is just getting started.
Final Thoughts: Roadblock or Just a Speed Bump?
Colorado’s HB25-1122 isn’t banning self-driving trucks. It’s just saying, “You can have your robots, but you can’t fire the humans just yet.”
Some say this is smart regulation—it keeps the roads safer while AI continues to improve. Others argue that it’s slowing down innovation and making it harder for companies to push autonomous tech forward.
Whatever side you’re on, one thing is clear: Colorado just sent a strong message to the trucking industry—“We’re not ready to let the robots take the wheel.”
So, what do you think? Necessary law or a step back? Drop your thoughts below! 
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