After some pressure from automakers and tech companies, California regulators announced new rules for the testing of self-driving cars on public roads. Taking effect by June of 2018, the revised regulations will allow the testing of autonomous vehicles without a driver behind the wheel and will allow the public to use vehicles equipped with autonomous technology.
Companies including Ford, Tesla, Apple, General Motors, Alphabet’s Waymo, and others expressed concerns on April 25 when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) held a public hearing about the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Coincidentally, U.S. Congress is currently reviewing new legislation to restrict state power over self-driving car rules and limitations.
The new rules also allow passengers to ride in a self-driving car just as long as they are not being charged for it. This prevents companies like Uber and Lyft from running autonomous taxis in the state.
Although self-driving cars have been testing in California since 2014, many believe state regulators relaxed self-driving car regulations because other states like Florida, Michigan, and Arizona have much fewer rules and limitations on autonomous car testing.
Self-driving cars will of course still have to abide by California’s traffic laws and a remote monitor will be required to observe the vehicle and take control if needed.
The new regulations can be viewed at the California’s DMV website.
Source: Reuters
The post California Relaxes Regulations on Self-Driving Cars appeared first on Motor Trend.
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