How California is trying to keep autonomous vehicle development on track

The answer is… yes and … maybe?

The new regulations would keep California in the game, principally by removing earlier roadblocks to deploying fully driverless vehicles — those that can operate without human-driver intervention.

They also keep the requirements that remain workable, such as requiring manufacturers to obtain testing permits and demonstrate financial responsibility. Twenty-seven companies** are testing autonomous vehicles in the state. These developers didn’t flock to California because of its great regulatory environment — they are here largely because Silicon Valley is home to much of the talent, entrepreneurial ethos and investment startup expertise needed to develop the cars of the future.