California Issues New Autonomous Vehicle Regulations

Self-Driving Cars Could Be Tested as Early as June

California officials took a major step this week toward allowing companies to test autonomous cars without anyone being at the wheel—or even being present in the vehicle. Under revised regulations governing the testing of autonomous vehicles in California, companies can operate vehicles in normal city traffic without a driver as long as proper notice is provided in advance of such tests.

The state first published notice of the proposed regulations in March of this year. Written comments were received, and a public hearing was held with nearly 100 individuals representing vehicle manufacturers, technology manufacturers, privacy advocates, consumer advocates, and transportation agencies. Presently, 42 companies hold permits to test autonomous vehicles on California roads.