The Department of Motor Vehicles in the State of California has proposed restrictive regulations for stand-alone vehicles, which basically prohibit vehicles carrying passengers if there is no driver.
The bill (PDF) also requires that self-propelled vehicles be equipped with a steering wheel and a pedal to run on public roads in California.
Αν το νομοσχέδιο γίνει νόμος, οι εταιρείες που είναι πιστοποιημένες για τη δοκιμή αυτόνομων οχημάτων στους δρόμους της Καλιφόρνια (όπως οι BMW, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla και Volkswagen, καθώς και οι επιχειρήσεις technology όπως την Google και την Cruise Automation) will not be able to market their fleets of driverless vehicles for use as fully automated taxi services.
The proposal also requires autonomous cars to fully meet the new safety and performance requirements, through testing and certification by a third party auditor. TNW points out that there are currently no such organizations.
In a statement on Automotive News, Google said California's rules would block a technology that could improve road safety standards and enhance mobility for people who can't drive.
"Safety is paramount priority us and our primary motivation. We are deeply disappointed that California is putting a cap on the potential for fully self-driving cars that can help us all.”
The proposal is likely to push autonomous vehicle companies out of California to control and initially develop their vehicles. Austin, Texas Mayor Steve Adler says the city is "excited" to host such innovations.