DMV takes next step to allow driverless vehicles

Driverless vehicles could be coming to California roads and highways soon.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) revealed a revised version of proposed regulations establishing a path for driverless testing and public use of self-driving vehicles.

The release of these regulations marks the start of a 15-day public comment period, which ends October 25, 2017.

The revised regulations will allow testing of autonomous vehicles without a driver behind the steering wheel and public use of vehicles equipped with autonomous technology.

“We are excited to take the next step in furthering the development of this potentially life-saving technology in California,” California Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly said.

Regulations to test autonomous vehicles with a driver have been in place since 2014. To date, 42 companies hold permits to test the driverless technology on California roads.

“The department looks forward to seeing those companies and additional companies advance the technology under these new regulations,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said. “Today’s action continues the department’s efforts to complete these regulations by the end of the year.”