Google has received a boost to its driverless car programme after US transport regulators indicated a computer could meet the legal definition of a driver.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - which sets rules and regulations on America's roads – responded to inquiries by the internet giant about removing the steering wheel and pedals from its driverless cars.
The inquiry came after the California Department of Motor Vehicles said that autonomous cars being tested on the state’s roads must have such features.
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However the NHTSA has said new rules could be drawn up in the light of new technology, while the US Government has pledged $4bn to support the driverless car sector and potentially usher in new rules surrounding their use.
The letter from NHTSA in response to Google has been made public and states: ‘NHTSA will interpret “driver” in the context of Google’s described motor vehicle design as referring to the [self-driving system], and not to any of the vehicle occupants.
‘We agree with Google its [self-driving vehicle] will not have a ‘driver’ in the traditional sense that vehicles have had drivers during the last more than one hundred years.
‘If no human occupant of the vehicle can actually drive the vehicle, it is more reasonable to identify the ‘driver’ as whatever (as opposed to whoever) is doing the driving. In this instance, an item of motor vehicle equipment, the [self-driving system], is actually driving the vehicle.’
The NHTSA makes clear this is just its ‘interpretation’ and as such it does not ‘repudiate(s) existing statutory or regulatory provisions’.
NHTSA officials said they would consider new rules on the issue due to the changing technology but adds this could take a long time and suggests ‘Google may wish to explore the interim step of seeking exemptions’.
The NHTSA’s interpretation is contrary to the UK Government’s, which suggests a test driver must be present.
The major review from the Department for Transport (DfT) into the legal and regulatory issues around autonomous vehicles found that real-world testing was possible ‘providing a test driver is present and takes responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle; and that the vehicle can be used compatibly with road traffic law’.