Self-Driving Cars Are Now Legal in California

It is an interesting concept and would allow you to do other things. The first version will require drivers behind the wheel to correct the autodrive function. I think its an effort by google.

...if there are any laws in any state that specifically say that a person has to be behind the wheel.

Where does the city mail the RLC citation?

David King wrote:

...if there are any laws in any state that specifically say that a person has to be behind the wheel.

When you get to court, it will be more about lawyers arguing the "interpretation" of the law and precedence. Bottom line, whoever was driving at the time.

don't plan to be driving in California in the next few years.

It'll protect everyone else from those who text while driving.

I wonder how long before something like self-accelerating Toyotas will happen? Or if after accident you can claim that it was car's fault, because computer was driving at this time.

Personally I don't really see much of profit in traffic. You still have to pay constant attention to what car is doing, so where is the "easier driving" part? It may be nice to have on long, empty highway driving, but question is, how well it will keep car on the road without clear road borders?

First it was illegals driving with no license or insurance.

Then Lindsay Lohan playing demolition derby on Hollywood streets.

Paris mowing people down.

So self-driving cars have to be much safer than what they had before.

I'm sure the car is programmed to stop at redlights..... no violations will be generated.

Just think. No more DWI's or DUI's!

Nuvi1300WTGPS

No more speeeding tickets, no more DWI or DUI and even children can drive to school without learn how to drive.

Possibility of Driving While Malfunctioning is still there.

While this is true, I believe the cars can't do worse than the general population...

It would make it a whole lot easier to Text, from the back seat.

I know i am keeping my butt out of ca. Just going to stay in the southeast.

Makes me glad my company doesn't send us to Ca. anymore! I still wish they would end the split speed limits out there!

I saw one earlier this week -- it must have been a self-driven car, as the so-called driver was texting with both hands!

(where's that ECM pod when I need it?)

So. Speeding, running a redlight or car accident who's at fault if the car is on "auto pilot"? The manufacturer, software/hardware designer or owner?

Opens a whole new can of worms. (Read that as: more money making opportunities for lawyers).

Make sure your battery/batteries are always fully charged. Make sure your software/hardware is always updated.

I don't think I would trust my life or the lives of my family and loved ones soley to a mechanical/electronic contraption. Can you say software bug? The cars will not be able to see to someone else in a "non-auto pilot" vehicle who slams on their brakes, cuts in front of you, runs a redlight, etc., etc.. What about electrical storms with the lightning? Just sayin'.

I would think the cars are programmed to obey the traffic laws, and probably do a better job of staying within the lines than most drivers out there, and could be safer than human piloted vehicles.

I do agree with your last paragraph, I personally wouldn't rely on its ability to avoid other drivers who lack the ability to drive.