The Legislature gave final approval yesterday to legislation that could pave the way for self-driving cars to move beyond the experimental phase by establishing safety and performance standards for autonomous vehicles in California.
Autonomous vehicles use computers and sensors to enhance safety by helping to avoid collisions caused by human error. According to the office of the bill’s author and sponsor Senator Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima, thousands of Californians die in auto accidents every year, but autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce this number.
According to Padilla’s office, Google, BMW, Audi, and Volvo are all developing self-driving car technology aimed at greater safety, fuel efficiency and roadway capacity.
"I envision a future that includes self-driving cars," Padilla said in a statement. "Establishing safety standards for these vehicles is an essential step in that process."
Padilla announced SB 1298 in March at a press conference on the steps of the State Capitol, where he arrived in a Google autonomous vehicle.
California law does not currently address autonomous vehicles. The bill, called SB 1298, requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to create an application and approval process for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California roads, establish safety and performance standards for autonomous vehicles, and requires that the vehicles meet all safety and performance requirements in state and federal law.
SB 1298 would also allow a licensed driver to test "drive" an autonomous vehicle.
The bill will now go to the governor’s desk for approval.
