Google's self-driving cars are now allowed on all roads in California
Google's self-driving cars have made impressive progress in the past few years, logging over 700,000 accident-free miles without human intervention, according to the company (there has been at least one accident reportedly caused by a human driver). But those test-drives have been limited to a few closed courses and select areas. Starting this month,
Google and a few other ambitious automakers will be able to unleash self-driving vehicles on any public road in the state of California. Last week, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handed out its first 29 permits for testing autonomous cars on all of the state's public roads. Google won 25 of the 29 total permits, which will allow the company to test 25 modified, self-driving Lexus SUVs, according to The Guardian. Meanwhile, Audi and Daimler AG-Mercedes Benz also received two permits each to test their own modified, self-driving cars.
The permits are the result of a law California passed back in 2012 officially authorizing autonomous vehicle tests, which came after similar laws were passed in Florida and Nevada. In California, any qualified organization can apply for self-driving car permits: they cost $150 for the first car and $50 for every additional car, and require companies testing them to cover insurance costs up to $5 million. The permits are designed to help legitimize and regulate the burgeoning technology, while making sure that California remains at the forefront of its research and development. Small wonder the California DMV trumpeted the news.
"Autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation. The potential safety and mobility benefits are enormous," said Jean Shiomoto, director of the California DMV in a statement. "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."
Google and a few other ambitious automakers will be able to unleash self-driving vehicles on any public road in the state of California. Last week, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handed out its first 29 permits for testing autonomous cars on all of the state's public roads. Google won 25 of the 29 total permits, which will allow the company to test 25 modified, self-driving Lexus SUVs, according to The Guardian. Meanwhile, Audi and Daimler AG-Mercedes Benz also received two permits each to test their own modified, self-driving cars.
The permits are the result of a law California passed back in 2012 officially authorizing autonomous vehicle tests, which came after similar laws were passed in Florida and Nevada. In California, any qualified organization can apply for self-driving car permits: they cost $150 for the first car and $50 for every additional car, and require companies testing them to cover insurance costs up to $5 million. The permits are designed to help legitimize and regulate the burgeoning technology, while making sure that California remains at the forefront of its research and development. Small wonder the California DMV trumpeted the news.
"Autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation. The potential safety and mobility benefits are enormous," said Jean Shiomoto, director of the California DMV in a statement. "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."
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