Google is planning to release its own autonomous vehicles in California, however, it seems that the company is facing some challenges with the manufacturing. California's regulation for any company manufacturing such technology is to ensure the safety of both the public and the autonomous vehicle. In this sense, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is requiring such vehicles to be operated by a licensed driver.
According to Top Tech News, the draft regulations released by California's Department of Motor Vehicles allows self-driving cars on public roadways, but with three-year deployment permits. The news added that any autonomous vehicles deployed would have to pass inspection by an independent, third-party testing organization.
As part of the rule, cars should be tested thoroughly on the streets surrounding DMV's headquarters. The speed should be limited to 25mph and should also feature removable steering wheels, accelerator and brake pedals, Telegraph Times noted. This will only be possible if a driver is in the car to control it and this condition is what the autonomous cars lack.
Nevertheless, related news said that Google might consider offering such service on private properties and college campuses, since California's law doesn't allow general use of self-driving cars on public roads. As per the company's project report, the news noted that more than 1.3 million miles of autonomous driving are logged and there is an average of 10,000 to 15,000 autonomous miles a week on public roads.
On the other hand, Canon Place reported that DMV will schedule public meetings on January 28 in Northern California and February 2, 2016 in Southern California before the adoption. Related news also mentioned that, there are self-driving cars that are lineup in the San Francisco and Austin test areas. These include 23 Lexus RX450h SUVs and 30 prototype vehicles.
The company hopes that its plan to produce self-driving cars would conquer every market in the U.S., which includes California. As of the moment, the company did not provide any details if it will bring its own product abroad.
Join the Conversation