The California Department of Motor Vehicles has approved a set of rules, readying the dawn of self-driving cars on Golden State roads.
The regulations explain how manufacturers should test, insure, register and report their self-driving cars to the state. It will go into effect this September. (Via Forbes)
The DMV explains these latest rules do not apply to the average driver—just the makers. The agency is, however, expected to approve more regulations for consumers by January 1, 2015, according to its website.
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Some rules that are already in place are as follows: Manufacturers must pass a special driving course. At any time, they must be ready to take over control of the autonomous vehicle. Manufacturers must also have an understanding of the technology and be in good standing with provisions of the state's Vehicle Code, according to the DMV website.
An analyst on the Business News Network thinks automotive safety will advance with the new rules.
"It's very much real. I think that they are seeing this real massive change in the industry for active safety. Things that really change the way you drive." (Via Business News Network)
California follows Nevada, which previously approved the testing of autonomous vehicles and even created a special license plate for them. Besides Google, Nissan, Audi and Tesla are a few of the companies also pursuing self-driving cars.
Until now, Google had been running pilot programs in a "gray area" since there was no precedent set. (Via CNET)
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