Roads and Highways
San Diego Regional Proving Ground
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) selected the San Diego region as one of ten automated vehicle (AV) proving ground sites in the nation. These proving grounds formed a national community of practice and continue to share information and collaborate with the private sector to advance the safe deployment of AVs.
District 11 of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), SANDAG and the City of Chula Vista make up the San Diego Regional Proving Ground (RPG). The RPG partners welcome organizations interested in testing vehicles and technology in real-world environments. Please contact the Caltrans project manager for more information.
Entities interested in conducting testing that requires roadway closures or installation of equipment in the public right-of-way should review the RPG permit process and contact us for support with your permit application.
A permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to conduct testing on public roads. The DMV Autonomous Vehicles in California webpage has requirements for each permit type:
Project Managers
Sam Amen, Caltrans District 11 Connected and Automated Vehicle Program Manager
Phone: (619) 606-3485, Email: sam.amen@dot.ca.gov
Bill Valle, City of Chula Vista Director of Engineering and Capital Projects
Phone: (619)409-5976, Email: wvalle@chulavistaca.gov
Peter Thompson, SANDAG Technical Project Manager
Phone: (619) 699-4813, Email: peter.thompson@sandag.org
For media inquiries, please contact the SANDAG Public Information Office at (619) 699-1950 or pio@sandag.org.