
“California Cruisin’: No Traffic Ticket Worries for Driverless Cars!
Driverless cars, although taking up more frequent lanes on our roads, are not subjected to traffic tickets in California under current laws. The state has passed legislation providing autonomous vehicles with immunity from traffic violation penalties.
This decision by California lawmakers is part of a technological experiment being tested by a number of states across the country. By providing driverless cars with a pass from any fines or traffic violations, states are attempting to encourage the development and implementation of autonomous vehicle technologies.
The law also restricts humans from operating driverless cars. Thus, any violations of traffic laws, such as speeding or passing a stop sign, are unable to be attributed to the human driver and are, therefore, considered the fault of the car and its maker. The hope is that manufacturers will be more likely to design and introduce cars that are less susceptible to making traffic violations.
The law goes on to list certain Information-Sharing requirements for autonomous vehicles operating in the state. Manufacturers must submit a brief report outlining the comprehensive safety assessments conducted on the vehicle before it can be sold. They must also provide details on cars that have been in accidents or have been subject to any malfunctions or violations prior to being sold.
This new legislation is a major step in the development of autonomous vehicle concepts. By providing manufacturer’s with an incentive to build safer cars that are less likely to make traffic violations, the state of California has paved the way for a safe and successful future of driverless cars.