Self-driving cars are legal in the US, but the laws differ from state to state. As of July 2023, 21 states permit the deployment of autonomous vehicles, while six only allow it for semi trucks. Additionally, 13 states and Washington D.C. are researching laws concerning these vehicles.
On July 26, 2023, the US House of Representatives Energy Commerce subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce conducted a hearing to discuss legislation on the safe adoption of self-driving cars. The panel reviewed draft legislation from both Republican Representative Bob Latta and Democrat Representative Debbie Dingell.
Latta’s bill proposes a federal framework for self-driving cars, with a national standard for safety and performance. States can set their own standards, as long as they are as stringent as the federal one.
Dingell’s bill aims to establish a new federal agency to oversee self-driving cars. This agency would be responsible for safety standards, regulation of testing and deployment, and investigating accidents involving self-driving cars.
This congressional hearing indicates that Congress is taking self-driving car technology seriously. The legislation being considered could significantly advance self-driving car development and adoption in the US.
Experts predict fully self driving cars that require no human interaction could be available by 2035. However, cars with limited automation, like highway-capable vehicles, might arrive sooner.
Developing self driving cars poses complex technical challenges, including accurate environmental sensors and safe decision-making software. Addressing legal and regulatory hurdles is equally critical.
Despite these challenges, progress in self driving cars is swift. Major automakers and startups are heavily investing in this technology, raising hopes for fully autonomous cars on the roads within the next decade.
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