The requirement for self-driving vehicles to have a person in the driver’s seat to take over in the event of an emergency, is being eliminated by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles effective April 2.
A new rule requires companies to be able to operate the vehicle remotely – similar to a flying military drone – and communicate with law enforcement and other drivers when something goes wrong.
“This is a major step forward for autonomous technology in California,” said Jean Shiomoto, director of California’s D.M.V. “Safety is our top concern and we are ready to begin working with manufacturers that are prepared to test fully driverless vehicles in California.”
Read the article at The New York Times.