OL 311R Form: Annual Report Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement

OL 311R Form – The OL 311R Form is the official California DMV document for the Annual Report of Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement. It plays a critical role in regulating autonomous vehicle (AV) testing on public roads. Manufacturers with DMV testing permits must track and report every instance when an AV switches from autonomous mode to manual control—whether due to system failure, safety concerns, or other factors—along with detailed mileage data.

This SEO-optimized guide explains everything about the OL 311R Form: its purpose, who must file it, how to complete it accurately, submission requirements, and why transparent disengagement reporting drives safer AV innovation in California. Download the latest official PDF directly from the DMV here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/01/OL-311-R-R7-2020-ASB-WWW.pdf.

What Is the OL 311R Form?

The OL 311R Form, officially titled Annual Report of Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement, is a mandatory reporting tool issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It requires manufacturers testing autonomous vehicles under the Autonomous Vehicle Tester (AVT) Program or the AVT Driverless Program to summarize disengagement events and autonomous testing mileage for a full calendar year.

disengagement occurs when the autonomous driving system (ADS) deactivates—either automatically due to a detected failure or manually when a test driver, remote operator, or passenger must take immediate control for safety. The form captures this data to help regulators, manufacturers, and the public assess AV technology reliability and progress.

The current version (REV. 7/2020) remains the required form as of 2026, with options for electronic submission via the DMV portal in addition to mail.

Who Must File the OL 311R Form?

All manufacturers holding a valid Manufacturer’s Testing Permit (with driver) or Manufacturer’s Testing Permit – Driverless Vehicles must submit the OL 311R Form annually. This includes companies testing AVs on California public roads under the DMV’s Autonomous Vehicle regulations.

Exemptions do not apply to permitted testers. Companies without active testing permits are not required to file. A single report can cover both drivered and driverless testing if clearly distinguished.

Key Reporting Period and Deadlines

The OL 311R covers the period from December 1 of the previous year to November 30 of the reporting year. Reports are due by January 1 each year.

  • First report (for new permit holders): From permit issuance date through November 30 of the following year.
  • Subsequent reports: Standard December–November cycle.

For example, the 2025 report (covering December 2024–November 2025) was released publicly by the DMV in February 2026, showing permit holders logged more than 9 million autonomous test miles statewide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the OL 311R Form

Follow these instructions exactly as outlined on the official form to avoid delays or rejection:

  1. Section 1 – Manufacturer Information: Enter the manufacturer name, AVT Number (permit number), business mailing address, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone number.
  2. Section 2 – Disengagement Event Detail: Use one row per disengagement event. For each event, record:
    • Date
    • VIN Number
    • Who initiated the disengagement (AV System, Test Driver, Remote Operator, or Passenger)
    • Disengagement Location (Interstate, Freeway, Highway, Rural Road, Street, or Parking Facility)
    • Description of facts causing the disengagement

    Include checkboxes for each event:

    • Whether the vehicle is capable of operating without a driver (Yes/No)
    • Whether a driver was present (Yes/No)

    Tip: Attach additional detailed cause information if needed and reference the attachment number in the row.

  3. Section 3 – Disengagement and AV Miles Summary per Vehicle: For each VIN, provide:
    • Annual Total of Disengagements
    • Monthly breakdown of Total Miles Tested in Autonomous Mode (December through November)
    • Annual Total Miles
  4. Section 4 – Acknowledgment: The authorized representative must print their name, title, sign, date, and provide full contact details (address, email, fax, phone).

Print as many pages as needed for complete event reporting. The form is designed for clarity and transparency in AV performance data.

What Data Must Be Reported on Disengagements?

The DMV requires granular data to evaluate AV safety and readiness:

  • Initiator of each disengagement (system vs. human).
  • Location type and environmental conditions (weather, road surface, traffic, construction, emergencies, etc.).
  • Vehicle capability (driverless-ready or not) and presence of a driver/operator.
  • Total autonomous miles tested per vehicle, broken down monthly.

This data helps track improvements in AV technology over time and informs regulatory updates.

How to Submit the OL 311R Annual Report?

Mail the completed form to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles Branch
2415 1st Avenue, MS D405
Sacramento, CA 95818

Manufacturers may also submit electronically via the DMV’s web portal where available. Retain all supporting data for potential DMV audits.

Late or incomplete reports may affect permit status or future applications.

Latest California AV Disengagement Statistics (2025 Data)

In February 2026, the DMV released the 2025 disengagement reports covering over 9 million test miles logged by permitted manufacturers between December 2024 and November 2025. These public reports provide company-specific mileage and disengagement counts, allowing analysis of performance trends (e.g., disengagements per 1,000 miles).

Historical data since 2015 is available on the DMV website, showing steady improvements in AV reliability as manufacturers refine their systems.

Why Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement Reporting Matters?

Transparent OL 311R reporting:

  • Builds public trust in AV technology.
  • Enables data-driven safety improvements.
  • Supports evidence-based regulation under California Vehicle Code § 38750.
  • Helps manufacturers demonstrate progress toward fully driverless deployment.

Disengagement metrics remain one of the most watched indicators of AV maturity worldwide.

Common Questions About the OL 311R Form (FAQs)

Q: Can I submit the form electronically?
A: Yes—manufacturers may use the DMV web portal in addition to mailing the paper form.

Q: What if no disengagements occurred?
A: Report zero disengagements and include all autonomous miles tested.

Q: Are collision reports filed on the same form?
A: No—use separate form OL 316 for any collisions involving property damage, injury, or death within 10 days.

Q: Where can I find past reports?
A: Visit the official DMV Disengagement Reports page for 2015–2025 data.

Download the Official OL 311R Form PDF

Access the most current version directly from the California DMV:
Download OL 311R Form (REV. 7/2020) PDF

For the full list of AV regulations, testing permit holders, and additional resources, visit the California DMV Autonomous Vehicles page.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant and Informed with the OL 311R Form

The OL 311R Form is more than paperwork—it is a cornerstone of safe, transparent autonomous vehicle testing in California. By accurately reporting disengagements and mileage, manufacturers contribute to the future of mobility while meeting strict DMV requirements.

Whether you are a permitted manufacturer, AV enthusiast, or researcher, understanding the OL 311R process ensures you stay ahead of California’s evolving AV regulations. Bookmark this guide and the official DMV links for the latest updates in 2026 and beyond.

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