California is one of the few states in the country that have allowed companies working on self-driving cars to test them on public roads as long as there is a human behind the wheel to take over should the system not be able to respond effectively. The state’s latest draft regulations show that it’s open to allowing self-driving cars on roads without humans inside provide that federal officials consider it to be safe enough.
The draft regulations also state that the self-driving cars that are allowed on roads without humans inside need to have two-way communication with the folks testing them. If these changes are passed they would represent a big change in the state’s outlook towards testing of autonomous cars.
Reuters reports that California has given licenses to 15 companies who wish to test self-driving cars on public roads, they are still supposed to ensure that a human is behind the wheel at all times when the cars are out on roads. The new regulations are going to be welcomed by companies who envision self-driving cars without pedals and steering wheels.
California’s draft regulations concerning self-driving cars also restrict companies from advertising semi-autonomous cars as autonomous or self-driving to eliminate confusion. It can not be said with absolute certainty right now whether these new regulations will be passed or some changes will be made prior to the passing.
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