Google

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has put safety first and has proposed autonomous vehicle regulations that require a human driver behind the steering wheel and brake pedal capable of taking control when necessary.

Google is telling the California Department of Motor Vehicles that if proposed regulations are enacted that require a human driver behind the wheel, capable of taking control of a self-driving robot car, the company will take the vehicles elsewhere.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has just issued draft rules covering the public use of self-driving robot cars that incorporate a key safety provision long advocated by Consumer Watchdog, sponsor of this website. The draft regulations require robot cars to have a steering wheel and pedals and be occupied by a licensed driver capable of taking control of the vehicle when necessary.