The government of California has laid out its draft rules requiring autonomous cars to have a human driver behind the wheel. Google is not delighted about the ruling.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released its initial draft rules on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
The draft policy incorporates rules which the DMV hopes will address issues involving self-driving cars, such as certification, registration, licensing, safety, privacy and cybersecurity.
Among the most notable rulings of the DMV include the prohibiting of fully autonomous driverless vehicles that do not feature a brake pedal or a steering wheel.
Likewise, it requires that a licensed driver should be behind the wheel so in case the technology fails, the driver will be in control.
What makes the policy more controversial among automakers is that California forbids them from selling self-driving cars. They are only authorized to lease the autonomous vehicles.
"We're gravely disappointed that California is already writing a ceiling on the potential for fully self-driving cars to help all of us who live here," said Google in a statement.
Once approved, the new rules will also have an effect on other companies that are currently focusing on building their own autonomous cars, such as Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Motors.
Tesla, in the meantime, stated that it is currently going over the draft policy and promises to continue working with authorities to make sure that "any necessary new regulations support continued innovation in new beneficial technologies."
More Rules For Self-Driving Cars
In case of traffic violations, the operator will be held responsible even if the car is in control.
It is necessary that the vehicle be tested out by a third-party entity, verifying that the autonomous car can carry out driving maneuvers usually encountered on the road.
Automakers should certify that their vehicles adhere to specific safety and performance requirements.
In addition, apart from requiring manufacturers to report safety-related flaws, the DMV also makes it mandatory for automakers to report accidents encountered while the autonomous mode is activated.
The DMV will organize separate public forums with regard to the policy. These are slated to kick off on Jan. 28 in Northern California and Feb. 2 in Southern California.
