29 Self-Driving Cars Operated On Public Streets

On September 16^th, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced new regulations for self-driving cars. The set of rules is meant to make roads safer as auto manufacturers continue to test new autonomous vehicle technology. According to a press release put out by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, vehicle manufacturers who want to test self-driving cars must meet the following criteria:

• Manufacturer must register the test vehicle with DMV
• Manufacturer must have completed previous autonomous vehicle testing under controlled conditions
• Manufacturer uses qualified test drivers who complete a training program and obey all provisions of the Vehicle Code
• Manufacturer test drivers sit in the driver seat and are capable of immediately taking control of the vehicle
• Manufacturer reports to DMV any accident involving a test vehicle or any situation where the autonomous technology disengages during operation
• Manufacturer maintains $5 million insurance or surety bond

This six-point regulation checklist shouldn’t cause anyone to think the California DMV disapproves of autonomous vehicles. It’s quite the opposite. Jean Shiomoto, Director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles said, “Autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation. The potential safety and mobility benefits are enormous. Testing on public roads is one step to developing this technology, and the DMV is excited in facilitating the advancement of autonomous vehicles in California.”

The issuing of permits and top-dollar insurance policies aren’t in place for hypothetical tests, 29 self-driving vehicles hit the streets of California on September 16^th. Highly modified Lexus SUVs used by Google dominated the group of vehicles. Volkswagen and Mercedes both had two vehicles take to the public roads on the same day.

Are Self-driving cars a reality, or a pipe dream backed by a wave of support from Google? The big question isn’t going to be whether or not the technology will be there, it’s become clear that testing is in full effect right this second. The real question will be whether or not commuters will ever allow their safety to be in the hands of a computer. That question will have to be fielded by Google and any other auto manufacturer that may envision a driverless society.